BRITISH DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 284, 23 April 1913, Page 3

BRITISH DEFENCE.

DEBATE IX THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

BLUE WATER OR BLUE FUMK.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 22, 9.35 p.m. London, April :,22. j In the House of Lords, di-cussing thai Army Annual Bill, Sir W. b\ Mfflletonj said that the danger of invasion Jrad in-' creased since Lord HaldaneV scheme of 1907. He aske'd how the Goireivmment was going to get the requisite numbers' for defence. Lord Haldane'replied that the Com- 1 mi (tee of Imperial Defence was investi-! gating the problem. The existing scheme was based on the fact that they were j j an island power, responsible for a great Empire. Voluntary service wonlfl enable them to maintain the amy and navy required. The country should not ''be unduly nervous. It was unnecessary to belong to either the "Blue Water School," which did not believe in the possibility of invasion, or the "Blue Eurik School," living in daily fear of ail iniva&Lon.

Lord Curzon appealed for the appoint- ] ment of a conference composed of .the 'leaders of both parties, to endeavor to* •aolve'.the army question.

ARMY AND XAVY.

Received 22, 11.45 p.m. London, April 22.

Prince Louis of Battenburg, at a meeting <Jf the Union Jack Club, .urged harmonious action of the army and navy. 'Tliere was, he saitj, no more foolish and mischievous statement than to say that the fleet dlone was sufficient to keep an •enemy ffrom their shores. A sufficientlytrained -pjofessional army was quite as •neeeeeary as a navy.

AN IMPERIAL OR COLONIAL NAVY.

'E-eaeived 22, 11.45 p.m. London, April 22,

In the House of Commons Mr. Churchill -declined to discuss during question iliime whether r it wvas more effectual for the Domiinons to provide additions to tJhe Imperial Navy or build local navies.