DEFENCE OF EMPIRE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8530, 9 April 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF EMPIRE.

CANADA AND THE NAVY

SPEECHES IN PARLIAMENT.

(Per Press Association—Copyright.)

OTTAWA, April 7. Sir Wilfrid Laurier,-- speaking, in the .'Navy' debate, said thai the Admiralty had apparently adopted a policy of concentration, leaving the oversea Dominions unprotected. The Government had entirely abandoned the Canadian Navy policy, intending to replace it with vO. .policy of contribution to the Britir'ii Fleet. The emergency cry was make-believe. The importance of the development erf national pride had been recognised in Australia, which had followed the correct policy. A local navy was undoubtedly the best in the interest of the Empire. Be. quoted the Hon. I James Allen, Mr A. Fisher, Lord Denman and Sir George Reid in proof that local navies were best. Imperial Federation was a, great ideal, but under present conditions it was. premature. It would only come when .Canadians wfere prepared to. surrender their,, financial irii dependence to a Parliament: which'"was itself not responsible to Oariadians. He declared'that the' Liberals intended to! pursue: their, policy of obstruction. . , Mr Borden, replying, said, the Government denied absolutely any policy of contribution. A permanent policy, was yet tp beiadeveloped. The three ships were merely \&n acknowledgment 01 Britain's care for tjhe Dominion and assistance towards Canada's present great development. The ships could! be brought home, at any time on notice being given. It was mot possible for Canada to remain neutral during a war, as Sir Wilfrid Laurier had suggested. The emergency policy best met the wishes of the Admiralty, and had their full concurrence. ;