DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 209, 23 January 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

STATEMENT BY MR. PEARCE. AUSTRALIAN POSITION. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Melbourne, January 22. Mr. Pearee has made a statement regarding the Commonwealth's suggestion of a subsidiary conference of defence. He says: "'"Three different schemes were drawn up at the IDOD conference, and the Australian agreement has alone been carried out. If co-operation is to be ensured, it will therefore be necessary for Canada and New Zealand either to carry out their schemes or to propose a substitute. The Commonwealth considers it would be advantageous if New Zealand and Canada would come to an agreement on the defence of the Pacific. Australia was invited to send a Minister to attend the Defence Committee. We suggested a subsidiary conference, either in Australia. South Africa, New Zealand or at Vancouver. The Imperial Government replied that such a scheme wa's impossible at pv. sent, but the question would be allov. ! to be revived later in the year. 1 think it unnecessary at present to have an Australian Minister on the Defence Committee. Our policy is known and approved by the Admiralty and can be adjusted'to any development in the Canadian and New Zealand policies. Britain can build the ships required. but can she lind the officers and men? The Australian poiicy differs from that of the other Dominions, inasmuch a-; it provides for the training of officers and men to man our ships."

ill!. MASSEY RETICENT. Auckland. Wednesday. Mr. Massey, interviewed re the jfelbourne cable re the New Zealand defence policy, said he could sav nothing on the subject. He declined officially to confirm or deny the statements made.