THE NAVAL ESTIMATES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 11, 7 July 1911, Page 5

THE NAVAL ESTIMATES

PROTECTING TRADE ROUTES. DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright London, July 5. Mr. Lee and Lord Charles Bcreaford, in Committee of Supply, on the shipbuilding vote, which was passed, emphasised the need for more cruisers. Mr. Macnamara replied pointing to Britain's unrivalled flotilla of thirtyfour pre-Dreadnoughts as a protection for trade routes, besides improved un,armored cruisers. Moreover, cruisers were being constructed for the oversea dominions. He also dwelt on the subvention to utilise Cunarders as armed transports in war time. Mr. Balfour urged that in view of the steadily increasing danger of foreign nations converting what were merchantmen technically and colorably into warships, in reality commerce destroyers, our duty of policing the trade routes ' was critical, and in the early weeks of war -would be immensely increased. He hoped that the building programme would make special provision against this new menace. Mr. McKenna, replying to Messrs. Balfour, Bourgoyne, and others, said that the Admiralty would seriously consider the anti-destroyer armament of the Dreadnoughts. The Admiralty was satisfied that Britain had sufficient cruisers for 1011, and would mark every source of danger on the trade routes and protect trade. He added that more cruisers would be provided in 1,912 to meet cruisers which would be begun by other Powers.

.Sir Gilbert Parker dwelt on the cooperation of the oversea dominions in Imperial defence. He said that eagerness to defend their own corner was the all-important influence. Local units, as in Australia, were fostering the naval spirit, which could not be bred without them.

Mr. Macnnmara made a sympathetic reply, emphasising the further development and far-reaching effect of the plans laid at the Defence Conference of 1009 towards consolidation for the safety of the Empire. f' """'