DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 85, 5 December 1912, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

SHARED BY THE DOMINIONS

London, December 4. The ‘Daily Telegraph’ is informed that when Mr. Borden makes his naval statement he will be. privileged to announce that the desire of the Dominions to participate in the Council of 'the Empire has been responded to. It is understood that the increase in bluejackets’ pay will involve a quarter of a million annually. LORD ROBERTS REPLIES. EFFICIENT ARMY INDISPENSABLE. (Received 8.0 a.m.) Loudon, December 4. Lord Roberts, in a letter to ‘The Times,’ says that Lord Haldane talks loosely of our command of the . sea as profound on strategical principles. The National Service League has not denied the necessity of a supreme Navy, but an efficient army for home defence was indispensable to give the Navy mobility. An expenditure of an audi bional four millions would provide an adequate army and give freedom of action to the Navy and Overseas expeditionary force.

INCREASE IN NAVAL PAY. OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION. (Received 10.40 a.m.) London, December 4. Lord Ohurohill announces an immediate increase in pay after six years’ service to able-bodied seamen, first-class stokers, privates, and marines of threepence daily, 'and petty officers, non-commissioned, and marine fourpence each, conduct badge an extra penny, and corresponding increases to higher ranks. The total cost of increases will be £386,473 annually.