NAVAL DEFENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10611, 9 June 1920, Page 5

NAVAL DEFENCE

DOMINIONS’ PART AUSTRALIA’S WAR SERVICES EULOGISED. LORD BEATTY’S ADVICE. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian ami Cable As.su.-uition. (Received Juno 8, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, June 7. Speaking at a Western Australian dinner, at which the Agent-General, Mr Connolly, presided, Admiral Lord Beatty, who proposed the toast of “Western Australia,” referred to tho work of the Australian Navy during the war. Ho said it rendered great assistance towards the capture of tho Gorman possessions. It had the honour of capturing the first German war vessel, the Comet. The destruction of the notorious Emden was another achievement of which Australia may well bo proud. The- first vessel to penetrate the Sea of Marmora was an Australian submarine, and later the Australia, Melbourne and Sydney came under his own personal observation, where he had an opportunity of recognising the Australian as a seaman and a fighting man. The Australian Navy had justified its existence, and was of tho greatest help to the British Empire in carrying out the struggle. Tho war was now over, and the menace of tlje German Navy had passed away. ‘‘We are now trying to utilise our experience of tho war in order to see that the sacrifices of five years shall not have been, made in vain. First and foremost we learn that the naval cooperation pf the Dominions must form an integral part of the Empire defence . As an Empire pur strength lies in our common interests. What Wo have to devise to-day is the cooperation of the. Dominions in the naval defence pf the Empire. The Australian Navy is an excellent example of what that form should take. A navy based upon Dominion ports will he most efficacious. SECURITY OF COMMUNICATIONS. “The safety of the Empire depends upon the security of' its communications. The control of those sea’ communications is a- problem of Imperial defence, and it extends to eveiy sea. The Dominions can exercise this control in their own maritime' areas. Therefore their protection will have a strong military value. Western Australia,, with her naval ports, can play an important part in naval defence. Naval defence implies the provision of a personnel and repairing facilities, andf finally, the building of warships. But the personnel is the .most important factor. Everything should he done to make the people understand tho part the Navy has to play in the future development of the Commonwealth, and in tho safety of the Empire.” EMIGRATION AND SEA POWER.

Lord Beatty said Australia was joined to the British Empire. It was due to tho command of the sea. Referring to emigration. Lord Beatty regretted that tho movements to Australia wero handicapped by lack of shipping; bat trusted, that the obstacles would soon be overcome. But a larger tiow »f shipping means the development of sea power. That was summed up in the fact that, AVeskcru Australia depended for progress on tho command of tho sea. This same condition applied to every unit of the Empire. lie hoped parochial ideas would he pub aside and that every member would realise that disaster to one part of the Empire was disaster to the whole. He hoped they would devise a scheme of naval defence equitable to individual requirements and commitments and that would make tlje world a better place t<> live in. EMPIRE’S MAN-POWER.

Western Australia gave a great example during thoi war, 40 per cent, of her men enlisting. He was sure Western Australia would maintain this effort in regard to naval development. Every naval official, would support him in the statement ithat for true patriotism and the highest ideals 'they had to go beyond. tli© seas. Mr Connolly, in replying, stressed the need for more equal distribution of tho Empire’s man-power. Australia, with her vast territory and meagre population, was a miosb vulnerable part of tho Empire, but filled with British population it wouid give the surest, cheapest, and best defence.