IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 57, 14 April 1914, Page 7

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

THE JAPANESE ALLIANCE.

SENTIMENT IN AUSTRALIA.

By .Cabin. —Press. Association.—Copyright. LONDON, April 13.

The' "Daily Chronicle'" says 'Mr Churchill has recognised the Dominions' feeling in favour of local fleets, and rightly abstained], from blaming them for it, but, needs,, more than recognition, should be made the foundation of the Admiralty's policy towards the Dominions. Until then there is bound to be a certain amount of unreality and misunderstanding in reciprocal naval" 1 arrangements, and Senator Millon's speech strengthens this moral. We may|regret Australia's frank confession that Australian sentiment dislikes the Japanese Alliance, and simultaneously the hint that battle-cruisers are required to make a show against Japan, but the sentiment exists. Meanwhile, Senator Millen docs not rise to the suggestion of an Imperial Squadron, and really, after the Commonwealth has been encouraged to build a Dreadnought for Australian watery, why should he?

"SAD READING.'? DOMINIONS' CONFIDENCE DESTROYED. (Received April 14, 9.20 a.m.) The "Pall Mall Gazette," commenting ■on Senator Milieu's statement, says:— "One of the worst achievements of the present Government is the destruction of the Dominions' confidence in the Imperial Navy policy. Senator Milieu's protest makes sad reading for those recalling the hopes raised by the 1909 conference. The Dominions see that the British Government is shirking the standards which it itself set up, and Senator Milieu rightly points out that Britain, in 1909, preached continuity of policy and is now turning that policy inside out. Australia and Canada have good reason to suspect the sincerity of the Admiralty's professions, and the result is that the co-operative spirit has weakened." i

"DECIDEDLY INSPIRING."

SIR GEORGE REID'S MESSAGE,

The "Globe" remarks that Sir George Reid's confident message from Australia is decidedly ' inspiring. Australia possesses special attractions for British emigrants, because nowhere else do they so readily feel at iiome.- Her growing attachment to Atifre Mother Country simply fulfils expectations, but none of her lessons have been more impressive than the manner in which the defence problem has been faced.

AUSTRALIAN NAVY,

SUBMARINE DEPOT SHIP,

(Received April 14, 9.20, a.m.)

The firm of John Brown and Sons, of Clydebank, ha 3 provisionally ' accepted an order for the Commonwealth's subi.\urine depot ship. THE BEST COURSE. .

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S VIEW.

(Received April 14, 10.25 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 14.

Interviewed in regard to naval matters, while disclaiming a desire to obtrude himself as controversialist in regard to the Australian policy, he adhered to the opinion that- the best course was to contribute to the British Navy.-