DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 88, 9 December 1912, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

A CANADIAN-BUILT NAVY

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Ottawa, December 6. A Liberal caucus was held to determine the attitude-of the party on the navy question. It is understood that opposition will be offered to Mr Borden's Bill,, and an amendment will be moved favouring a Canadian-built navy, or that Canada should maintain three Dreadnougnts herself, relieving the Motherland of the cost of thenupkeep. ’ AMERICAN CRITICISM.

New York, December 8

The New York World asks whether Australia and New Zealand are willi2!tr to retain their present subordinate roles when, by paying a few millions, they will be able to a seat in tne Imperial Council. Tne Canadian proposal is a new form oi Imperial federation. “What,” it says, “may India look for, if the native princes persist in the scheme to provide Dreadnoughts? The Nfew York Times says that in view of Canada joining the vortex of militarism, from wliicli stie liau liitliGito Held aloof, Western Canada is revolting because trade is being strangled in order to benefit British connection.

A FRENCH-CAN ADI AN VIEW. Ottawa, December 7. The French-Canadian press generally object to the breach of Canadian autonomy allegedly involved in Mr Borden's naval policy. The QueoeC journal L’Evenement alone favom; the policy outright. SOUTH AFRICA’S ATTITUDE. London, December 8. General Botha says that there is no need for nervousness over the nava. question. South Africa, he hoped, would put herself right soon. Public opinion was div.ded as to whether to continue their contribution, gne Dreadnoughts, or have their own navy. He was anx otis to take the right course. THE INDIAN PROPOSALS. London, December 8. Thaukr Sahib and Slirijossrasiffghi. of Seesodia, in an interview, said tuat the Indian proposal had,been greatly exaggerated. What was contemplated was a gift of two battleships, costing four millions, provided by the princes alone. The idea behind the offer was that if India participated in the Empire’s defence it would lead to a better treatment of Indian interests. PRESS CRITICISM.

London, December 8. The Times, referring to the enthusiastic scenes at Ottawa in the House at the conclusion of Mr Borden’s speech, recalls the scene in Sydney Assembly a quarter of a century ago, on the passing of Sir H. Parkes’s Additional Naval Force Bill. The Nation says that Mi- Borden makes it quite clear that the Canadian gift is made on condition of obtaining °a seat on the Imperial Defence Committee and a share in the control of the foreign policy; also the withdrawing of the Dreadnoughts when Canada wants them. Therefore, both would do well to, hesitatei before entering into such jfc path. (Received 9, 8.5 a.m.) London, December 8. Mr. Borden has received congratulatory messages from all parts of the Empire. Lord Roberts cabled: “You have earned the gratitude of England and the Empire for Canada’s wonderful offer.”

THE ‘OBSERVER’S’ OPINION. (Received 9, 9.5 a.m.’i London, December 8. *Tlie ‘Observer’ states that three to six Dreadnoughts are being, built, or projected, by the Dominions and dependencies. Canada experts a s trong fleet in the Pacific, and Australia is doggedly but rightly, determined to keep her own fleet in the Pacific, and thither should go the New Zealand and Malay Dreadnoughts. Thus an Imperial patrol would' be brought into being. Probably South Africa would be persuaded to substitute a powerful armoured unit for their mx useless little cruisers. Britain must have seventy Dreadnoughts by 1920, forty-eight at Home, sixteen in the Mediterranean, and six for an Imperial patrol. Britain must lay down s'x annually until 1918.

THE DOMINION AND OVERSEAS

The Minister of Defence, the Hon. James Allen, at Kaitangata on Thursday night, said he was perfectly satis-j find that the people were prepared to undertake their share in the defence! of the country, and that their system of defence had taken firm root in the land. He would also say that : f the Empire were in danger they would be prepared to do what they had done nof so many years ago in the Boer war, but this time it would be an effort of the united people who were; organised and trained and ready to fight.—(Applause.) Whatever troubles might arise in other parts of the world Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa, the Straits Settlements, and India would all join together to see that the trade ways of the world were open to British trade.—(Applause.)