SINGAPORE BASE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 1 August 1929, Page 5

SINGAPORE BASE

DOMINION’S CONTRIBUTION QUESTION IN THE HOUSE GOVERNMENT IN FAVOUR OF POLICY (By Telegraph) (From “The Mail’s” Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, 31st July. The question of Now Zealand’s contribution to the cost of the Singapore Base was referred to in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr F. Langstoiie, (Waiimirino) asked the Prime Minister whether lie would reconsider payment of New Zealand’s quota of £125,000 per annum for eight years and transfer the money for the relief of unemployment' within the Dominion. Sir Joseph Ward replied that New Zealand had so l'ar contributed £250,000 for tlie base. The Government attached the greatest importance to the naval base at Singapore and would not lie willing to reconsider tlie contribution payable by New Zealand. Alt' Langstone urged that the contribution should be dropped. He said that with tlie change of Government at Hoin ( . ;i change of policy on New Zealand’s part as suggested by him would be welcomed. The Prime Minister said that the previous Government was responsible for the Singapore base contribution. A contract was entered ipto between the Home Government and the New Zealand Government and this Government was doing its part. Sir Joseph said that a few days ago he had replied to the British Government adhering to the arrangement made between, the Home Government and the Dominion Government. (Hear, hear). The reason for entering into the agreement need not be gone into except to say that over £100,000,000 worth of goods passed annually between Ihis country and other countries. The country had entered into an obligation to protect the. interests of the people concerned in that large sum which was annually passing backwards and forwards. Mr E. J. Howard (Christchurch South) : "Not passing that way though.” NEW ZEALAND'S OBLIGATION Sir Joseph said that we could not expect the British people to continue to be responsible for naval protection. We had a distinct obligation resting on cur shoulders on behalf of the people trading to and from New Zealand. They could not expect the British authorities to accept that responsibility oil their oWn account. The advisers of the Admiralty had recommended the establishment of the Singapore base. It was too late now to turn back on an undertaking which had been honourably entered into. New ealand had entered into# the undertaking upon the authority of Parliament and it was idle tj say now that we should save money and utilise it for other purposes. I Air J. O’Brien (Westland): “It is not for the protection cf trade, it is a war measure.” The Prime Minister: “Oh, no, it is partially a war measure and partially a trade measure, too. As a matter of fact you cannot shut l your eyes to the fact that we have obligations to defend goods valued at £100,000,000 a year passing between this country and the Old Country, and that is not a matter that can he lightly thrown aside. In peace time we have certain obligation upon ns to protect interests w’th £100,000,000 represented, if war should unhappily arise the authorities who advised tho Home Governments believe that the Singapore base is necessary to enable the British Admiralty to carry on its affairs. Anyhow a contract has been entered into on the authonty of Parliament and there is no use beating the air about it .now it is done. We .no standing, and rightly so, by the mraimement which the House authorised, n-rao-jy the contribution of £1,000,000 to the cost of the Singapore base.” (Hear, hear).