EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1921, Page 5

EMPIRE DEFENCE.

PREMIERS DISCUSS PROBLEM BRITAIN’S RESTRICTED HELP. DOMINIONS’ BURDEN MAY GROW. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Received July 5, 10.50 p.m. London, July 4. The Japanese treaty being temporarily disposed of the Premiers’ Conference , considered naval defence. Britain’s standpoint was presented ’ first by Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. I Austen Chamberlain. Air. Winston i Churchill, addressing the delegates, pointed out that while she was prepared to defend the out-points as far as possible, Britain was unable to guarantee I 1 that in time of war every Dominion would be inviolate. The Motherland did not desire to shirk her responsibilities, or unload the cost on to others, or re- ; tract anything previously undertaken. However, the situation was complicated, j The Dominions were once Colonies and I before that were settlements, but now ! they were great nations. The only way to obtain a settlement j of the question was frankly to discuss with the Dominions’ leaders what they wanted, and discovering wha! Britain could do. The proposals math ‘nd been carefully considered for some rime by Britain and confidential statements had been prepared regarding the various fighting services. These proposals were examined from the point of view of Imperial defence as a whole and were co-ordinated by the sub-committee on Imperial defence sitting under the president of the Council of Defence with the object of devising a practical scheme to be effective in time of war. The British Government did not desire to dictate the movements of Dominion troops*, that was a matter for the decision of the respective Governments. The measure of co-operation i would be reflected in subsequent discussion.

Mr. W. Al. Hughes pointed out Australia’s dependence on sea power, outlining the efforts made for self-defence under the Henderson scheme. He intimated that the Commonwealth spent on naval defence much more than all the other Dominions put together, yet the Australian navy was not effective to defend her; there was not even a plan of campaign, so far as he knew. Australia depended for existence upon. Britain’s control of the seas, yet Britain declared she was unable to maintain the navy at its relative pre-war strength. The Dominions should accept their share of responsibility and Australia was ready to shoulder hers.

It is understood Mr. Hughes put forward certain proposals on the lines already cabled. It seems likely a heavy subsidy will be suggested, provided adequate strength is maintained in the China squadron and other forces, with a base in Australia, New Zealand co-op-erating with the existing ships of the Commonwealth fleet, which will be kept in a state of efficiency. Facilities for dockyard refitting bases were also set out, "together with a statement of the amount spent on the preparatory work under the Henderson scheme and an estimate of the sum required to complete it. It is understood Mr. Hughes is determined not to commit Australia to this expenditure and th'e proposals Will be submitted to Parliam* nt first. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.