SINGAPORE BASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1926, Page 3

SINGAPORE BASE.

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR ALLTCO KD. [Australia & N.Z. Cable Association. 1 LONDON. March 11. la tlui House of Commons, tlie former Admiralty Secretary, Air Ammon (Labour'), speaking on the Admiralty estimates, asked Air NV. C. Bridgeman (First Lord of the Admiralty) whether there was any alteration in the Singapore policy in view ol the Locarno agreement. He understood that a graving dock would he first constructed, and then a. floating dock. Mr Bridgeman interjected: “l have always said a floating dock will he first constructed, ami a graving dock afterwards.” All 1 Ammon, continuing, said. ‘‘Tho Singapore project can only be interpreted as an unfriendly act towards Japan.” Ministerial cries of "No.” Air Ammon said he had the statements of responsible Japanese statesmen that they regarded it in that light. ATr Ammon remarked that the fortification of mossgrown Indian ports suggested that there is some great activity in preparation for a war in those directions.

DOAfINTOXS' CONTRIBUTIONS. LONDON, ATarch 11. In the House of Commons, Air AN . C. Bridgeman explained that work connected with a floating dock and naval base for Singapore had cost £220,0C0 in the present year, tint only £95,000 would lie paid by Britain, because the remainder would be derivable from the unexpended portion of Hongkong’s quarter of a million gift. As the construction advanced, it would then be possible to see to what extent tbe craving dock idea should lx- caned o„ whereon the Dominions would be consulted at the forthcoming Imperial Conference. , . After enumerating the Dominions naval contribution (cabled earlier). Air Bridgeman said that Britain was grateful for these, but Britain would gladly welcome nnv increase in them. He generallv defended the economies proposed which were in directions readily replaceable in tbe event, of a crisis.