DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 28, 7 June 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

o DEBATE ON THE ESTIMATES. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Assooiation.l London, June 6.

In the House of Commons, in the debate on the Army Estimates, Colonel Seely was heckled with questions regarding the aerial service for home defence.

Colonel Seely, in reply, said that it would be a political and military disaster if the country forced the right of uniting by compulsion. The maintenance of voluntary forces would be of enormous advantage to the country's productiveness. Every man could be mobilised over the number required to secure the country against invasion. Under the present circumstances this could be faced without fear. He denied any intention to enter into a gladiatorial cote&t with Lord Roberts at the Eighty Club.

CANADA'S LOYALTY

Ottawa, June 5

The newspaper Free Press sees in Mr Churchill's announcement grave results. It was a mistake of the Liberal Party to prevent Mr Borden's contribution. ( , The Conservative Press deplores the.' '■ effect on foreign nations, and promises that when the real opinion of the country is expressed at'next election Canada will surprise the world ; by f her loyalty. , . ',', ~ * '*

NEWSPAPER OPINION

(Received 10.55 a.m.) London, June 6

Several Unionist newspapers maintain that Mr Churchill's acceleration, of three Dreadnoughts is inadequate, and they advocate starting in 1913 three additional for the spring of 1916. They argue that his speech on March 31 relied on the completion of the Canadian ships to maintain a whole-world protection of the Empire till the end of 1915 or the beginning of 1916.

The Westminster Gazette says:'The Canadian contribution is suspended, but meanwhile Mr Churchill's acceleration will give time for future adjustments when Canada's decision is known.