THE DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9450, 21 May 1909, Page 5

THE DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

CANADA’S VIEWS

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Ottawa, May 20. Correspondence between Earl Crewe and Earl Grey has been published at Ottawa It shows that the"aoceptance of the invitation to attend the Imperial Defence Conference was grudgingly given—almost extorted —by Earl Crewe’s skilful manoeuvring. Earl Crewe transmitted the invitation by the British Premier as President of the Conference to the Canadian Premier. Earl Grey replied that the Canadian Ministers were without sufficient information to warrant their advising as would be necessary at such a formal conference. Two Canadian Ministers would leave shortly to discuss with the Admiralty the best methods of carrying out the resolution of Parliament, but were quite willing to defer the vTsit“nStttil July if the Imperial authorities preferred. Earl Crewe replied expressing the Imperial Government’s gratification at the readiness of the Dominion to participate in the Conference. When replying to questions relating to the Imperial Defence Conference, Sir Wilfrid Lanrier. in the Dominion House of Commons, said he was aware that the resolution concerning the nucleus of the Canadian Navy as a contribution to the defence of the Empire had not given satisfaction to certain sections of Canadian opinion. A more advanced section favoured a monetary contribution to the United Kingdom to strengthen |.the navy. With that he did not agree. He realised that Canada should act fairly and squarely and, as far as possible, provide defence. After there had been a resolution passed he informed the Imperial naval authorities thatjhe thought it would not he wise for the Canadian navy to he a part of navy, but that any action taken should he in accordance with the Admiralty views. While the correspondence was in progress an invitation to a subsidiary conference in July had been received.

Sir 'Wilfrid Laurier admitted, in reply to a question, that he acquiesced in the last despatch. MR HOGG’S VIEWS. Eketahuna, May 20. Interviewed re the Premier attending the ImperialJDefence Conference, the Hon. A. W. Hogg considered that the Premier should represent the Dominion, and that Parliament should meet and pass supplies and then allow Sir Joseph to go. Other matters of importance could be held over by arrangement.