The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1920. EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 June 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1920. EMPIRE DEFENCE.

The remarks made by Admiral Beatty when speaking at the West Australian dinner in London recently, appear to indicate that there is a definite object in keeping before the Dominions the need for their taking an important part in the naval defence of the Empire. Post prandial orations are usually of a complimentary nature, especially when the t guests refer to the good deeds of their hosts, so that it was quite in keeping with orthodox usage that Admiral Beatty should eulogise the services of the Australian Navy during the war. It must bo gratifying to the Commonwealth Government to be informed on such high authority that its navy justified its existence and "rendered the greatest help to the Em pire in carrying out the struggle." With this record of useful work as a foundation, Admiral Beatty went on to say that first and foremost among the lessons of the war was "that the naval co-operation of the Dominions must form an integral part of Empire defence.'' This duty is fully recognised by all the Dominions; the only point in doubt is the particular form which their co-operation is to take. The Admiral appears to have no doubt on this matter. He said the Australian Navy was an excellent example of what that form should take, and the reasons he gave were certainly unanswerable as general principles, though they may not apply quite so universally as he might desire. It goes without saying that as an Empire our strength lies in our common interests; that a navy based upon Dominion ports will be most eFficacious; that the safety of the Empire depends on its communications ; but it does not dispose oi" the main problem as to whether there should be several small navies attached to the Admiralty, or whether the Dominions should

join in partnership with the Motherland so as to secure the maintenance for all time of an Imperial Navy to which each of the Dominions would contribute their fair quota in money or ships, or both. Admiral Beatty stressed the fact that naval' defence implied the provision of personnel, repairing facilities (necessarily including large docks), and the building of warships. In the case of New Zealand'there is not the slightest probability of any warship being built here for many years to come—if ever. The only way in which the Dominion can take part in the great work of naval defence is by men and money. One of the important matters that Avill be under review by Parliament in the coming 'session will be Lord Jellicoe's report, and suggestions as to the way in which the Dominion shall assisj;ra the naval defence of the Empire. The spirit of the people is certainly with Admiral Beatty in hjs claim for unity of action, and they are alive to the propriety, as well as the necessity of taking their proper share of the work that has for its object the safeguarding of the Dominion and its valuable export trade. At the same time the war has left a .legacy of huge indebtedness and enormous liabilities, besides the dislocation of finances and industries. Prudence counsels that it would bo better for the Dominions not to undertake too heavy financial responsibilities until sufficient breathing time has been given wherein reconstruction can be carried out and a more definite idea formed as to the extent to which they can contribute to naval defence. The matter is not so urgent that it cannot be held in abeyance for a short period. New Zealand set a good example eleven years ago by presenting a battleship to the Home Government, a(nd thereby stimulated the Commonwealth Government to enlarge its naval scheme. The same patriotism that instigated the gift still abides, even to a greater extent than ever. Phenomenal as our prosperity has been, and is, we know not what the immediate future holds, though it is certain that taxation will be heavy, money dear and difficult to obtain, while the need for development is pressing in order to obtain greater production. Many millions are required for this and other work that awaits execution, so that it behoves the Government to weigh well all the facts before deciding on its naval policy.