PACIFIC DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 October 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC DEFENCE.

BRITAIN’S NEW SHIPS. PROTECTION OF AUSTRALASIA. SPEECH BY MR. MASSEY. By Telegraph.—Press Association Wellington, Last . Night. Speaking at the New Zealand Club luncheon to-day, the Prime Minister referred to the problem of the defence of the Pacific and the necessity for Britain laying down four new ships as cabled. These ships would be built and maintained at the expense of all parts o.f the Empire. If Japan, America and Britain agreed not to build ships for twenty-five years the peace of the world would be assured. Japan was in a peculiar position. A comparatively small country, like Britain, she needed an outlet for her surplus population. America, too, was our ally and blood relation. If these three nations could be brought together and a satisfactory arrangement made, nothing could be better. No countries of the Empire were in greater need of protection than Australia and New Zealand. .AN EMPIRE NAVY’ IMPORTANCE OF AIRCRAFT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Received Oct'. 14, 12£9 ajn. London, Oct. 12. The Admiralty welcomes Mr. Mas- i sey’s speech, and points out that the navy is now, and always has been, an - Empire Navy. It is now for Australia I and New Zealand to decide the amountand manner of their contributions. . It must not be forgotten, in the meantime, that air development is an important part of naval strategy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.