MEDITERRANEAN AS EMPIRE HIGHWAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 226, 23 September 1936, Page 7

MEDITERRANEAN AS EMPIRE HIGHWAY

BRITISH POLICY. "Far From Scuttling Out Of Malta." FIRST LORD'S ASSURANCE. United -Press Association.—Copyright (Received 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, September 22. In a statement to the Press on return from his Mediterranean cruise, the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Samuel Hoare, said: "Far from scuttling out of Malta and abdicating our position in the Mediterranean, Tre intend to face new and difficult problems. "These include making the position secure as a vital Empire highway. It is jot a threat against anyone. '•'The Italian Press is urging us to clarify the position but it is exactly as it has always been. We wish to live in friendly relationship with others and to secure our communications." Importance of Cyprus. A British oflicial wireless message savs that Sir Samuel Hoare, speaking on Mediterranean problems, said: "We hope in future that we will be in the hest possible relations with all Mediterranean Powers, including Italy, but that does not absolve us from making our own communications as safe as we possibly can.

"The air problem has obviously made a difference, not such as to revolutionise our policy but enough to cause us to adapt ourselves to the new conditions. We have to make' the fullest possible use of our own power." Regarding Cyprus, Sir Samuel said: "I always felt that we had not given half enough attention to Cyprus. The military future of Cyprus is still being considered, but I am quite sure Cyprus should have a better harbour for the general development of the island." The wireless station!* will complete a chain which stretches from England to Egypt, Africa and India, and eastwards to China and Australia, and will be ready in time for the big Empire scheme which comes into operation next year. " In 28 of the Empire flying boats under construction for use on these services, wireless installations are being fitted which are the most efficient with which commercial aircraft has yet been equipped. Direction-finding apparatus is embodied in the main set instead of as heretofore, in a separate unit. FLEET MOVEMENTS. BEITISH UST MEDITERRAIfEAN. (Beceived 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, September 22. It is announced that certain ships of the Mediterranean Fleet will carry out a short cruise in the eastern Mediterranean. The Queen Elizabeth, flagship of the Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, Repulse and Glorious, will leave Malta on September 30 and "<nll be accompanied to sea by the Galatea (aircraft-carrier), flagship of the Rear-Admiral, destroyers and the first destroyer flotilla. The Galatea and the destroyers will return to Malta after exercises hare been carried out. FAMOUS GERMAN SHIP. NOW A TURKISH FLAGSHIP. (Beceired 9.30 a.m.) ISTANBUL, September 22. The flagship of the Turkish naval squadron to visit Malta in November Tnll be the Yavuz, formerly the German battle cruiser Goeben, which was famous for eluding the British in the early days of the Great War.