IMPERIAL NAVY

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 7 December 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL NAVY

A MEMORANDUM OF POLICY

EXCITEMENT IN CANADIAN PARLIAMENT.

1 Received December 6, 12.3(3 p.m.)

OTTAWA. December 5. There was tremendous excitement in Parliament over the reading of the Admiralty memorandum of naval policy. _ _ The memorandum explained that it was necessary to weaken the British overseas fleets in order to cope with German expansion. Aid from Canada was likely to produce a great effect on the other Powers. CANADA TO PROVIDE THREE BATTLESHIPS. The Primo Minister, Mr Borden, declared that nothing less than the absolute security of the trade routes was sufficient. The Government intended to ask for £2,30(),(X)0 to provide three battleships of the best possible class. The Canadian Marine Minister Avould live in London, while participation in the control of the foreign policy was being worked out, becoming a permanent member of the Committee on Imperial Defence. DEFENCE OF EMPIRE BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT. Mr Borden described the problem as one combining co-operation with autonomy, as the task providing for the defence of the overgrowing Empire was becoming increasingly difficult for Great Britain to deal with singlehanded. The Dominions must take a share of the control of the foreign policy, which hitherto had been under Great Britain's exclusive control. In the future it was intended to make the Minister of Marine a permanent member of tho Imperial Defence Committee, and he would act in consultation on all questions of foreign policy.

BEST AND STRONGEST SHIPS POSSJI3LE. The Admiralty memorandum advocates the building of the best and strongest ships possible, on the ground that such timely action would bo of tho most service. Mr Borden added: "The aid Canada proposed to give would enable Great Britain to establish a. fleet of battleships and cruisers in the Pacific with a powerful squadron regularly visiting the Atlantic Coast." The ' Government is not asking for a system of regular contributions' to the Imperial Navy. BRITAIN TO CONTROL' CANADIAN SHIPS. The ships Canada proposos will be controlled by the Royal Na\y. Later, if Canada desired control, such would bo secured on giving reasonable notice. Great Britain will build the larger ships, the smaller vessels and auxiliary cruisers will be built in Canada.

OPPOSITION CONGRATULATIOXS.

LOYAL LIBERALS. (Received Last Nitrht, 10.15 o'clock.) Sir-Wilfred Laurier congratulated the Hon. R. L. Borden, Canadian Premier, on his temperate manner of presenting the Bill. The Liberals, be said', were no losk devoted to the Empire's interests than tho Conservatives. The Liberals joined in the sinsing of "Rule Britannia. " and "God Save the Kin"" in the evening. The Press throughout the Dominion welcomes the policy of the Liberals in refraining from criticising the Government. Tt is not. expected that a"-" material opposition will develop in the Common Senate.