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A.—4a

(iii.) CANADA..

Summary of result of meetings : — Present: The Right Honourable R. K. McKENNA, M.P., First Lord of the Admiralty (in the Chair). Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Fisher, G.C.8., 0.M., First Sea Lord of the Admiralty. T. J. MacNamara, Esq., LL.D., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary. Rear-Admiral the Hon. A. E. Bethell, C.M.G., Director of Naval Intelligence. W. Graham Greene, Esq., C.8., Assistant Secretary of the Admiralty. Rear-Admiral Sir C. L. Ottley, K.C.M.G., M.V.0., Secretary to the Committee of Imperial Defence. Canada: The Hon. Sir F. Borden, K.C.M.G., Minister of Militia and Defence. The Hon. L. P. Brodeur, K.C., LL.D v Minister of Marine and Fisheries. Major-General Sir P. H. N. Lake, K.C.M.G., C.B. Rear-Admiral C. E. Kingsmill. Captain J. R Chancellor, D.5.0., Assistant Secretary to the Imperial Conference. The Canadian representatives explained in what respect they desired the advice of the Admiralty, in regard to the measures of naval defence, which might be considered consistent with the resolution adopted by the Canadian Parliament on the 29th March, 1909. While, on naval strategical considerations, it was thought that a Fleet Unit on the Pacific, as outlined by the Admiralty, might in the future form an acceptable system of naval defence, it was recognised that Canada's double sea-board rendered the provision of such a fleet Unit unsuitable for the present. It was represented on the part of the Admiralty that it would be difficult to make any suggestions, or to formulate any plans, without knowing approximately the sum of money which Canada would spend. The Canadian representatives then suggested that two plans might be presented : —one incurring an annual expenditure of and the other an expenditure of omitting in both cases the cost of the present fishery service and hydrographic surveys but including the maintenance of Halifax and Esquimalt Dockyards, and the wireless telegraph service, estimated at some 50,000 Z. a year. Taking, first, the plan for the expenditure of 600,000/., after discussion the Admiralty suggested that the Canadian Government might provide a force of cruisers and destroyers comprising four cruisers of improved " Bristol" class, one cruiser of " Boadicea " class, and six destroyers of improved River class. As regards submarines, it would be advisable to defer their construction because they required a highly-trained and specialised complement. The " Boadicea " and Destroyers might be placed on the Atlantic side, and the " Bristol" cruisers divided between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The number of officers and men for this force of 11 ships would be 2,194, and the cost of the vessels suggested, including repairs and maintenance, interest and sinking fund on capital expenditure, and pay, &c, of personnel, at Canadian rates, would not, it was anticipated, exceed a year. If it was decided to limit the plan to an expenditure of 400,000 Z. a year, the Admiralty suggested that one " Bristol," the " Boadicea," and two Destroyers