DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 66, 26 March 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

“A REGRETTABLE SPECTACLE.”

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. I (United Press Association.)

Ottawa, March 24,

Mr Borden, in reply to Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s manifesto, states that if the contracts are let immediately the construction of the three battleships will not be completed until next general election. Then, if the Canadians believe the battleships ought to be recalled to British waters the Government may recall them, proceeding thereafter to build the Canadian fleet. He denied any attempt to gag discussion. The Liberals were providing a regrettable spectacle to the world and the Empire in refusing to grant aid to the Mother Country, whose Ministers had asserted she needed help. The Liberals’ alternative policy would entail a cost of thirty millions, spread over ten years. f. ’ • THE'QUESTION OF CONTRABAND. OIL FUEL DEPOTS. BRITAIN’S UNHAMPERED FREEDOM. (Received 9.40 a.m.) London, March 23.

Loreburn has commenced in the. Manchester Guardian a series of letters concerning sea commerce in wartime, with a view to obtaining the exemption of private property except contraband.

Mr Fisher’s committee recommend that all British ships be oil-driven. The Admiralty is expending two millions on oil-fuel depots.

The newspapers are gratified at Mr Asquith’s statement, which showed Britain’s unhampered freedom to range ■herself as formerly beside any threatened power with a view’ to maintaining the European equilibrium. The Westminster Gazette says Mi Asquith’s statement is as explicit as anything could be. If war occurred between European powers, the freedom of the British Government and Parliament to decide to participate (r otherwise was unimpaired.