Singapore Is Vital

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 953, 22 April 1930, Page 9

Singapore Is Vital

GO-SLOW POLICY JUSTIFIED

Mr. Fenton’s Comments

SUBJECT FOR IMPERIAL CONCLAVE

JUSTIFICATION for the curtailment of work on the Siuyapore Base is advanced by Mr. J. E. Fenton, Australia's delegate to the Naval Conference, who says Singapore will be the most important subject to be discussed at the Imperial Conference this year.

United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 12.20 p.m. LONDON, Monday. Mr. J. E. Fenton (Australia) expresses the opinion that the Singapore Base subject will be the most important discussion at the Imperial Conference. “One of the results of the Naval Conference has been a continuation of the Washington Treaty guarantees concerning the Pacific,” lie said. “This pact extends the guarantees for five years.

“If the construction of the Singapore Base continues according to the previous lavish plans, this will create a justifiable distrust in the minds of our friends. Mr. A. V. Alexander informed me the base must shortly be discussed. Experts are of the opinion that the original scheme is rendered unnecessary and it is proposed to utilise the present section for the docking of merchantmen, which I consider a sensible thing. “Australian anxiety is unnecessary. If the modification of the base is criticised I would ask: ‘Where are we to obtain the money from?’ “I, like many others, expected greater results from the conference, but what has been achieved beneficially affects two-thirds of the world's population. “The conference shows that the nations are not yet willing to beat the implements of war into peace, but international conferences show progress toward peace. “i am of opinion that a subsequent Geneva Conference would further cement this pact. “At yesterday morning’s conference I congratulated Mr. MacDonald. Peace lovers should declare: ‘Thank God for MacDonald!’” Concerning Australia House reorganisation, Mr. Fenton submitted that the report favourably sums up a “dif-

ficult position.” He admitted that readjustments were advisable. ‘‘lt is futilo haphazardly to criticise Australia House,” he said. “First-hand investigations show it to be necessary for the High Commissioner’s office to carry out certain functions, no matter what has been said to the contrary, and men and money must be found. ’

Mr. Fenton waxed most enthusiastic at what might be done if funds were available, vaguely suggesting illuminating “the most superb building every night.” The “Daily Telegraph's” naval writer expresses the opinion that as a result of the London Naval Treaty the whole Imperial defence system needs reviewing and the fate of the Singapore base is doubtful.

With the reduction in battleship fleets there is no point in providing three super-dreadnouglit docks at Singapore, says the writer. If the base is finished it will probably be modified into repairing shops with fuel depots available for merchant vessels.

Now that the Japanese Navy is to be reduced probably Australia and New Zealand will be less apprehensive about the balance of power in the Pacific, continues the writer, though there is good reason to believe that the Dominions will play a part in building up a new Empire cruiser fleet, which many naval officers believe would be a sounder investment than the Singapore Base. A plenary session of the conference takes place at S-t. James's Palace tomorrow. Mr. MacDonald will open t*lie proceedings in a short speech and then call on delegates to sign the agreement in the mimes of the respective Government*.

Signor Grandi (Italy) was unable to attend today’s meeting owing to indisposition.