Imperial Politics.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 19, 22 January 1914, Page 5

Imperial Politics.

CABINET DIFFERENCES.

TREASURY v. THE ADMIRALTY.

[By Electric Telegraph— Copyright] [United Press Association. 1

London, January 21

Mr P. H. Illingworth, M.P., speaking at Low Moor, Bradford, said the Bradford Liberals were disappointed at being made to reduce the armaments expenditure, but the Government was pledged to make the navy efficient. The Daily Telegraph, notwithstanding Mr Churchill's denial, repeats that there are differences in the Cabinet, and states that after the Admiralty had revised the Estimates, making in some instances a 25 per cent, reduction, the Treasury returned the Estimates and insisted on further reduceions, which the Admiralty consider inconsistent with national safety. Apart from this, differences exist owing to the Admiralty excluding last session's vote in its effort to maintain naval supremacy. The Treasury has forced the Board to arrest further expenditure, except where it is impossible.

The Daily News believes that the naval estimates were severely pruned, the Government being determined to check the spendthrift policy.

THE CABINET MEETING.

CREATINC INTENSE INTEREST.

(Received 9 a.m.) London, January 21

A keen controversy is going on regarding to-morrow's Cabinet meeting. It is expected that Mr Asquith will decide in Mr Churchill's favour. The

key of the problem is in relation to the Dominions' warships to the British standard, particularly New Zealand and Canadian. The Chronicle considers it was a false step to accelerate three to replace the Canadians, which with the clearing away of arrears in building construction has swollen the year's expenditure by an extra 4-J millions. While the Chronicle does not question the laying down of four Dreadnoughts for the coming year, the Daily News urges only two.

THE TIMES' COMMENT

Times—Sydney Sun Special Cables.

(Received 8 a.m.) London, January 21

The Times says it is unwise for ITnionists to reckon too confidently on any immediate breach in the Cabinet. (The movement for a reduction of the naval estimates has obviously gatherfd considerable strength, but it is difficult to believe that Ministers will stultify their previous policy, or that disruption will follow over the Estimates, which, presumably, are based upon the live years programme already explained to Parliament and upon the Admiralty memorandum to the Canadian Government.