DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 302, 15 May 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC

m THE DUTY OF THE COLONIES. ■ NEW ZEALAND'S PRORA3MJ PSLTCY. STATEMENT BY MR. ALLEN. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Vancouver, May 13. Mr. James Allen has arrived. The civil and military officers welcomed him. In an interview, Mr. Allen declared he was greatly impressed by his Canadian trip. He was questioned as to New Zealand's naval policy, but declined 'to outline it, because he must first submit . it for the New Zealand Government's approval. It was understood that a permanent policy would be drafted in conjunction with the Admiralty. Mr. Men. was entertained by the Canadian Club, lie appealed for Canad- : ian assistance in the defence of the Pacific in conjunction with Australia. As Britishers, they would like to ste the consolidated Empire strong enough to •stand without the entente cordiate. Not that he undervalued the entente. Undoubtedly the North Sea and the Mediterranean -were vital pom'ts in the ■Empire"'* 'defence, "but the Pacific ought not to be disregarded. The Pacific was becoming increasingly important, and ought to be protected. It is understood that Mr. Allen, as the Testflt tcf a conference with the Admiralty, will recommend that New Zealand should undertake an adequate system of land defences and also the formation of a mosquito fleet, which would be utilisable in New 'Zealand -waters. Whether New Zealand later would build battleships and form a local fleet on the Australian model, Mr. Allen refused to state. Mr. Allen, interviewed, said that British Ministers did not fully realise the new position arising in the Pacific. They did not see-the need' of keeping the race pure, and of keeping out unfair economic competition. New Zealand was desperately anxious to preserve its traditions of freedom, antf its privileges, and appealed to Canada to aid her therein. He said that only by such a union could anything of Teal benefit to the 'Empire I>e achieved. QUESTION OF CONTROL. MUST REST WITH HOME ADMIRALTY. Received 14, 5.5 p.m. " Vancouver, May 13. Mr. Allen, continuing, said they must' use local sentiment and local patriotism to create a great Imperial fleet unit stationed in the Pacific, but ready to go to the Atlantic at war time. There should be one control of such fleet in < war time, namely, the King and the Admiralty. Each Canadian, Australian and New Zealand fleet might be able to act independently, but, combined, they would be able to keep the PaeTfie pathways open. ... ....