THE EMPIRE'S DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 187, 27 December 1912, Page 5

THE EMPIRE'S DEFENCE.

MR ALLEN'S TOUR. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, December 24. Mr. Allen conferred" with the members of the Commonwealth Defence Council on the naval policy of the Pacific. Mr. Pearce stated that the proceedings were confined to informing Mr. iADen what the Commonwealth was doing. Mr. Allen evinced the most friendly feeling to Australia and approached the question with an open sympathetic mind. He thought that as the result of his visits to the Commonwealth and England Mr. Allen would form some valuable opinions on defence. He added that the outlook can be described as hopeful. Mr. Fisher said that there was never any antagonism in the Imperial Defence Conference to the idea of joint action by the dominions in the South Pacific. " It was really a matter for New Zealand to decide. Mr. Allen's mission was one of enquiry only. Melbourne, December 2(5. Mr. Fisher expressed appreciation of Mr. Allen's visit. "We in Australia," he said, "benefit greatly by the opportunity of conversing with New Zealand Ministers. It enables us to learn their views at first hand upon important questions affecting the interests of the Dominion and the Commonwealth, and to convey our opinions similarly to them." '