BRITISH NAVAL DEFENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 7 October 1913, Page 5

BRITISH NAVAL DEFENCE.

NO CONFERENCE TO BE HELD

CABINET DIFFICULTIES.

A PORTENTOUS DECISION.

.(Received Last Night, 10.45 o'clock | LONDON, October 6.

[ The Daily Telegraph states that the Government's decision not to summon a conference to discuss naval question will occasion widespread disappointment, particularly in the overseas dominions. Australia, it says, is anxious for advice and guidance, while New Zealand is hesitating on the question of how it can further assist in naval defence. South Africa and Canada are also desirous of expert advice.

The Right Hon. H. H. Asquith's decision was, it is said, due to internal political difficulties. - Cabinet had not-foreseen the' resentment aroused, ewen in some Liberal quarters, over operations oi th^-Parliament Act, and was particularly surprised at the character of Ulster's opposition. The Cabinet is therefore disinclined to invite representatives of the Dominions until a general election has cleared the political atmosphere. Consultation on the naval affairs of the Empire has Shus been deferred till 1915. Meanwhile, individual overseas Min-j isters can visit England a.nd meet the Defence Committee, the heads of the Admiralty, and the War Office.