Naval Defence.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 174, 10 December 1912, Page 5

Naval Defence.

CANADA'S OFFER. CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. BORDEN By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Ottawa, December 8. Mr. Borden has received congratulatory messages from all parts of the Empire. Lord Roberts cabled: "You have rained the gratitude of England and the Empire for Canada's wonderful offer." GERMAN ANNOYANCE. Berlin. December 8. Count Bcventlow accuses Messrs. Asquith and Churchill of insincerity in appealing to Germany to consider the burden of naval expenditure, because they knew Mr. Borden's proposal was to be sprung. Unless Britain substituted the three British Dreadnoughts the whole question of the German naval policy would be raised afresh. SYDNEY PRESS COMMENTS. Sydney, December 9. The Herald says that from whatever aspect Mr. Borden's offer is considered, it must be regarded as a conspicuous land mark in the history of the Empire and a step of the greatest importance in the development of the Imperial constitution. Referring to the provision that a Canadian Minister must be a permanent member of the Defence Committee, the Herald points out that. Mr. Fisher can see no more satisfactory means of the expression of Australia!} views than visits of the Australian Minister to more frequently held meetings of the Defence Committee than hitherto. Australians may envy Canadians the influence which must come througn the new position. The Telegraph says that Canada has taken the logical course, ensuring that Britain shall retain the naval prominence which is ensuring the security of every part of the Empire. The stipulation that the Canadian Minister shall join the Defence Committee is a momentous step, and marks the entrance of Canada into a new status, the sister stage, which is none the less autonomous, because she co-operates freely and franklv with Britain.

MR. FISHER NOP READY TO TALK,

Melbourne. December 9. Mr. Fisher declines to discuss Mr. Borden's offer at present. THE PACIFIC PATROL. London, December 8. The Observer states that from three to six Dreadnoughts arc being built or projected by the Dominions and dependencies. Canada expects a strong fleet in the Pacific, and Australia is doggedly, but rightly, determined to keep her own fleet in the Pacific, and thither should go the Aew Zealand and 'Malayan Dreadnoughts. Tims an Imperial patrol would be brought into being. Probably South Africa will be persuaded to substitute a powerful armored unit for six useless little cruisers. Britain must have seventy Dreadnoughts by 1920, 48 at Home, 16 in the Mediterranean, and six for the Imperial patrol. Britain must lay down six annually until 1918.

BRITISH APPRECIATION 7 . Received 9, 9.20 p.m. London, December 9. Mr. Bonar Law will to-day ask Mr. Asquith if he will afford an opportunity in the House of Commons to express deep appreciation of the public spirit and patriotism displayed by the overseas Dominions in contributing to the efficiency of Imperial defence. CANADA'S PREFERENCE. Received 9, 11.25 p.m. London, December 9. Mr. Gibon Bowles, in a letter to the newspapers, says that Canada's claim for representation on the Imperial Defence Council is very unexpected. Is Canada, he says, to have a veto on war plans and a veto on every important step Britain proposes to take in her foreign policy? He asks why Australia, the Cape, New Zealand and India are left out of representation. THE ADMIRALTY STATEMENT. Received 10, 1.10 a.m. Melbourne, December 9. A copy of the statement prepared by the Admiralty at the request of the Canadian Government regarding the present and immediately prospective requirements of the naval defence of the Empire has been tabled in the House. It points out the important material and still more important moral effect of any assistance Canada might give in maintaining the naVal supremacy of Britain on the high seas, at the same time disclaiming any intention, however indirect, of putting pressure on the Canadian people or seeking to influence the Dominion Parliament ill a decision which clearly belongs solely to Canada. It declares that superiority over the sea is essential to the security of the Empire, and reviews at length the expansion of the -German fleet, adding that, if the German naval programme is continued L'lcat; exertions will lie required by the British Empire. Tie report states that whatever Caniula"- decision at the present juncture, ]Sril;' ; :t will not under any circumstances fail to do her duty to the overseas Dominions, as she did before. She now stood unaided before the most formidable combinations, and had not lost her capacity of watching over the interests of the Empire.