THE BRITISH NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 86, 28 August 1912, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

AUSTRALASIA AND CANADA. THE TIMES'S CRITICISM. By Cable.—Press Association.-Copyright Received 27, 10.45 p.m. London, August 27. The Times eulogises the lead given by Australia and New Zealand to the other Dominions in praclic.il measures of defence. It adds that Australia has now embarked on an important naval development for reasons different to Canada's, Canada desiring mainly general security against war. Inasmuch as her security is absoliiiely dependent on that of the Empire as a whole she is naturally inclined for dose co-operation with the British fleet in European seas. Australia, on the other hand, looks first to the Pacific and the balance of powei there. Her first consideration is the reverse of Canada's: it is security against direct attack. The Times then'utters a warning in connection with the argument that the Australian fleet will remain Imperial because it will become so immediately- in the event of war. It argues, firstly, that the movements of the Australian (loet may in themselves produce war, and if the Empire! as a whole has not a voice in the movements of the fleet itcannot-aeeept the responsibility for the consequences that those movements may entail. Secondly, if AustnUia conducts her own policy in the Pacific, a policy over which other Imperial statesmen have no control, she will be-commit-ting other partners of the Empire to liabilities they cannot limit or foretell. These conclusions admittedly have no immediate bearing on the Imperial relation, inasmuch as they are based on conditions which do not exist at.present, but it is essential for us to look forward, as Mr. Borden proposes, and provide the gradual accommodation of Imperial relations to Imperial needs. The problem is not simple, and progress can only be tentative.