DREADNOUGHT OFFERS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9467, 9 June 1909, Page 5

DREADNOUGHT OFFERS.

DISCUSSED BY BRITISH PRESS. United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph,—Copyright. London, June 8. The Manchester Guardian characterises the substance of Lord Rosebery’s speech as hollow and unreal, and says the effect will be inflammatory, It continues : ‘‘Mr Deakin’s offer is a gratifying evidence of the sentiment of unity, but if the choice is between Australian Dreadnoughts serving in the North Sea and the equivalent value of service in Australian waters we prefer the second alternative. If Australia contributes towards the defence of the North Sea she binds us to equivalent contribution to her defence the moment there is danger/’

The Daily News says that sooneir or later such offers as the Australian must be reduced to a system. If the colonies share the burden of defence they must possess the right to influence tbe policy. The Scotsman says'that a phase of neglected duty in connection with Imperial defence, providing even stronger proof than the words of the colonial journalists is furnished by the Australian offer of a Dreadnought. The Glasgow Herald says the Empire can no longer afford to treat Imperial defence matters purely as a Britannic concern. Optimism is encouraged by the promptitude with which MrDeakin reversed the policy of his predecessors. AUSTRALIAN OFFER ACCEPTED Received June 9, 10.15 a.m. Melbourne, June 9. Mr Deakin has announced that the Imperial Government has cabled a cordial acceptance of the offer of a Dreadnought or such alternative as may be suggested. He hopes in a few days to announce the precise form the gift will take. Cabinet has not yet determined how to raise the necessary fnnda.