BRITAIN'S ALLY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9181, 2 September 1908, Page 5

BRITAIN'S ALLY.

CABLE NEWS.

nited Proas Association-By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

A WARNING

ESSENCE OF NAVAL STRATEGY. Received September 1, 8 a.m. LONDON. August 31 The "Daily News," remarking (hat it is evident Melbourne does not intend to be behind Sydney in the enthusiasm of its welcome to the American fleet, reminds Australians that Japan is Britain's ally for many years to come, and also the ally of the Commonwealth. After justifying the withdrawal of British battleships from the Pacific, the "News" emphasises the fact that concentration is the first rule of naval strategy, and says that a scattered fleet is rather worse than none. The "Daily Chronicle" says: —"It is the British fleet that secures the saf ty of Australia, and ?o long as it commands thr sea it will continue to secure to all the outlying parts of the Empire the peace, security, and confidence they now enjoy. The protection afforded is not less or more effectual, according as the concentration of the fleet is further from or nearer to particular parts of the Empire. Admiral Sperry's visit demonstrates the capacity of a fleet to make ( hiant expeditions, suggesting the lesson that real protection is afforded by striking far or near, as circumstances require.