Naval Defence.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 173, 9 December 1912, Page 5

Naval Defence.

THE CANADIAN VIEWPOINT.

THE RIVAL NAVIES,

By Cable—Pross Association—Copyright.

Ottawa, December 6. Sir Charles Tupper, a former Prime Minister, the Hon. William Ross, member of the Senate, and other leading statesmen, are enthusiastically in favor of the new policy. Sir Charles Tupper declares that he did not expect anything so generous. The Admiralty memorandum points out that in the spring of 1915 Britain will have 25 Dreadnoughts and Germany 17. A larger margin of strength will give greater freedom to the British fleets in every sea, will increase security and diminish the possibility of attack. British fleets were predominant in 1900 in every sea, but were now predominant nowhere, except in the North Sea, This dpspite greatly increased expenditure on naval defence. In order to secure safety in home waters, oversea stations have been denuded of ships. LIBERAL OPPOSITION. A CANADIAN-BUILT NAVY FAVORED

Ottawa, December 6. A Liberal caucus was held to determine the attitude of the Party on the navy question. It is understood that opposition will be offered to Mr. Borden's Bill, and an amendment will be moved favoring a Canadian-built navy, or that Canada should maintain three Dreadnoughts herself, relieving the 1 Motherland of the cost of their upkeep. AMERICAN CRITICISM. i

Received 8, 5.5 p.m. New York, December 8. The New York World asks whether Australia and New Zealand are willing to retain their present subordinate roles when, by paying a few millions, they will be able to secure a seat in the Imperial Council. The Canadian proposal is a new form of Imperial federation. "What," it says, "may India look for, if the natives princes persist in the scheme to provide Dreadnoughts?" The New York Times says that in view of Canada joining the" vortex of militarism, from which she has hitherto held aloof, Western Canada is revolting because trade is being strangled in order to benefit Britisli connection.

A FRENCH-CANADIAN VIEW.

Received 8, 5.5 p.m. Ottawa, December 7. The French-Canadian press generally object to the breach of Canadian autonomy allegedly involved in Mr. Borden's naval policy. The Quebec journal L'Evenement alone favors the policy outright.

SOUTH AFRICA'S ATTITUDE. Received 8, 5.5 p!m. London, December 8. General Botha says that there is no need for nervousness over the naval question. South Africa, he hoped, would put herself right soon. Public opinion was divided as to whether to continue their contribution, give Dreadnoughts, or have their own navy. He was anxious to take the right course.

THE INDIAN PROPOSALS.

Received 9, 12.25 a.m. London, November 8.

Thakur Sahib and Shrijossrasinghi-, of Seesodia, in an interview, said that the Indian proposal had been greatly exaggerated. What was contemplated was a gift of two battleships, costing four millions, provided by the princes alone. The idea -behind the oiler was that if India participated in the Empire's defence it would lead to a better treatment of Indian interests.

PRESS CRITICISM.

"MAKE HASTE SLOWLY."

Received 8. 5.5 p.m,

London, December S.

The Times, referring to the enthusiastic scenes at Ottawa in the House at the conclusion of Mr. Borden's speech, recalls the scene in Sydney Assembly a quarter of a century ago. 'on the passing of Sir H. Parkes's Additional Naval Force Bill.

The Nation says that Mr. Borden makes it quite clear that the Canadian gift is made on condition of obtaining a seat on the Imperial Defence Committee and a share in the control of the foreign policy; also the withdrawing of .the Dreadnoughts when Canada wants them. Therefore, both would do well to hesitate before entering into such a path.

London, December . The Westminster Gazette reciprocates Mr Borden's hope to makea practical start in real partnership. The controversy as to whether the battleships would be extra or an aid to British taxpayers was meaningless and derogatory. It would be. a poor compliment to Canada if the vessels were regarded as a mere appendage of the British fleet.

The Manchester Guardian says that colonial representation on the Defence Committee might make a very serious blench in the theory of the i'.xecutive's responsibility to Parliament. The representatives might easily become the coiiii-olliiig power i liiud the Cabinet's n:!v:il and foreign i , iicy.

0f,,;?.-.!. December 6. The Liberal press, after further consideration of the naval policy, is developing hostility, on the ground tkat there is no real peril to the Empire, justifying large expenditures. The papers further state that if the peril existed, the gift of Dreadnoughts would be fully approved by both parties.

AUSTRALIA'S APPROVAL. COLONIAL STATESMEN'S VIEWS. Melbourne, December 7. Mr. Fisher, interviewed about Canada's offer, only said: "That's all right, and Australia's all right." He supports the idea that the Australian delegate to the Imperial Defence Committee should be a Minister closely in touch with the Australian policy.

Mr. Pearce said he was sure Australians would hail with delight Canada's establishment of a fleet in the Pacific. It was a recognition of Australia's position, and, seeing that the Dominion had acted after consulting the Admiralty, in commendation of our attitude. Ha preseumed that the Canadian policy is complementary and supplementary to the Australian seheihe. So far, he knew of no communication being received from the Imperial Government regarding the proposed Pacific fleet. It was a matter of policy on which he was unable to speak freely.

GERMANY'S DISAPPROVAL. '•RAISING THAT BET." Berlin, December 0. The Canadian offer has created a disagreeable impression. It was not believed possible that the Dominions would make great financial sacrifices. The German press has been asserting for months past that Britain's Imperial spirit was weakening. Germany would not leave the challenge unanswered. Additions to the Naval Bill and air fleet arc expected.

THE DEFENCE COMMITTEE.

AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION.

London, December G,

The Evening News says that before the end of 1913, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will be represented on the Defence Committee. But for a difference of opinion' between Mr. Haraiuvt and Mr. Fisher, Australia would have had the honor of first admission to the conference. The point was whether the representative should reside permanently in London or in Australia, periodically visiting England for special meetings.

MR. ALLEN'S VIEWS. By Telegraph—Own Correspondent. Dunedin, Saturday. There was no policy declaration at the Lawrence banquet, and, irrespective of Mr. Massey's reference to Canada's naval policy, the speeches were of a complimentary order.

Mr. Allen said there were difficulties to be contended with in Canada, and it was only by time and argument that they could bring even the people of New Zealand to see what was right in regard to the defence problem. The British nation could never rest satisfied till it again had command of the sea. He did not mean command for aggressive purposes, but a command that would permit Britain to carry on peaceable occupation of trade, as between one part of the Empire and another.