Naval Defence.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 172, 7 December 1912, Page 5

Naval Defence.

PATRIOTIC CANADA. THREE DREADNOUGHTS OFFERED. CANADA TO HAVE A VOICE IN CONTROL. By Cable—Pross Association —Copyright. Ottawa, December 5.

Tremendous excitement was created •in Parliament by the reading of the Admiralty memorandum on naval policy. The- memorandum explained that it was necessary to weaken the British overseas fleets in order to cope with German expansion. Aid from Canada was likely to produce a great effect on other Powers. Mr. Borden declared that nothing less than absolute security of trade routes was sufficient. The Government intended to ask for £2,350,000 to provide three battleships of the best possible class. The Canadian Marine Minister will live in London while participating in the control of the foreign pollicy, which is bern? worked out, antf he will become a permanent member of the ImperiaL Defence Council. Mr; Borden described the problem as one combining co-operation with autonomy. The task of providing defence for the ever-growing Empire was becomingly increasingly difficult for Britain single-handed, and the Dominions must share, in the control. The foreign policy had hitherto been under Britain's exclusive control, but for the future it was intended to make the Minister of Marine a permanent member of the Imperial Defence Committee, and ho would act in consultation on all questions of foreicn policy.

iTlie Admiralty memorandum advocated building the best and strongest ships possible, on the ground that such a; course would be of the most service. .Mr. Borden added that what Canada proposed to give was to enable Britain to establish a fleet of battleships and cruisers in the Pacific, with a powerful squadron regularly visiting the Atlantic coast. The Government was not asking for a system of regular contributions to the Imperial Navy. Canada proposed that the ships should be controlled by the Royal Navy, and later, if Canada desired to control them, the control could be secured rrpon reasonable notice. Britain would build the ships. Similar vessels and auxiliary cruisers would be built in Canada.

THE POLICY APPROVED.

IMMENSE ENTHUSIASM,

Received G, 10 p.m. v Ottawa, December fi.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier congratulated Mr. Borden on his temperate manner of presenting the Bill. The Liberals were no less devoted to the Empire's interests than the Conservatives.

The Liberals joined in singing "Rule Britannia" and "God Save the King." The evening press throughout the Dominion welcomes the policy. The Liberals are not criticising the policy, and it is not expected that there will be any material opposition in the Houie.

HTGH COMMISSIONERS' VIEWS. Received -ft. 11.25 p.m. London, December, G. Sir Geo. Reid said that he hoped flic Empire's naval programme would soon include stations at various important points maintained by parts of the Empire to which they, were adjacent. He hoped to see the North Pacific and, North Atlantic patrolled by the Canadian fleet as the South Seas were patrolled by the Australian fleet. Other seas should be similarly, patrolled, leaving Britain to take care of home and Mediterranean defence, with a large share of the protection of trade routes. This would be in no sense weaking the Imperial force, but it was necessary for the national growth. The Hon. T. Mackenzie said that Mr. Borden's action was right. He felt strongly that ,the time had arrived for the fifteen millions dwelling in territory outside the. United Kingdom.to have a voice in Imperial affairs. He was confident that British statesmanship would devise the means.

THE ADMIRALTY MEMORANDUM. THE FLEETS COMPARED. Received 0, 11.35 p.m: Ottawa, December 0. The Admiralty memorandum outlines the Dreadnought strength of Europe at the present time. Britain has 18, compared with 1!) possessed by other nations. In 1915 Britain would have 35, compared Willi 51. Now that Britain is making special arrangements to send a portion of her fleets to co-operate with the Australian navy and the China squad Ton, and to defend, if necessary, New Zealand, Australia and British Columbia, with the growth of the German and other Powers' navies this ability would bo greatly restricted. A greater margin of British superiority would restore the mobility of the fleets and enable them to guard the distant seas in the future as now.

The debate has been fixed for Thurs day.

PRESS CRITICISM. OPINION IN LONDON. Received 7, 12.15 a.m. London, December 6. The press generally applauds Mr. Borden, although the Daily News asks whether there is such urgency as requires Canada to abandon her original idea of a Canadian navy, or whether the proposal furnishes relief to Britain.

The Times says that Mr. Borden's speech is the first clear definition over publicly given by a British statesman of the problem of Imperial security. With every succeeding year Britain's relative naval power has steadily declined, but with the Dominion of a mind and method to be one, British power can be restored and maintained.

The Daily Telegraph says that the speech confirms in the most complete manner the high hopes raised during Mr. Borden's visit, and marks a turning point in the Empire's history.

FURTHER HELP FROM NEW ZEALAND.

MR.MASSEY'S VIEWS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Lawrence, Last Night. At a public meeting to-night the Hon. Mr. Massey read a cable respecting the Canadian naval proposals. Canada, he said, had risen to the. occasion in a magnificent manner. When Mr. Allen came back from Britain, the New Zealand Government would be able to disclose its policy from a naval point of view, and he asked the people to have patience until then. Canada had done its duty, Australia was doing its duty in its own way, and it remained for New Zealand to do its duty. It might cost more money, but if the Government found it necessary to ask the people for more money for the purpose of naval defence he was certain that the people would respond in a manner worthy of themselves, and worthy of the occasion.