MR MASSEY AND THE NAVY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLI, Issue 9544, 24 June 1921, Page 5

MR MASSEY AND THE NAVY.

PKOSLEMS OF THE PACIFIC. LONDON, June 22. Mr Massey, m his address at the Conference, Baid Mr Lloyd George's speech, was the most important since th© war, and would gi.ve much satisfaction oversea, it made quite clear ihat the act of separately signing the Peace Treaty by' the Dominions had not given them complete independence. ' None of them, individually, «ould enter into treaties of war or peace with foreign nations, as some held they could do. He elaborated his views on the subject oi" setting up m peace time the equivalent of the War Cabinet. The Dominions had gained m status since the war, but had gone back otherwise. Mr Hughes: "How gone hack?" Mr Massey : We have lost the right we then had m war and other matters to assist m making recommendations to the Sovereign." ■ He believed strongly m the partnership of the nations of the British Empire, but at the same time admitted there was a stronger power m the Emrare to-day than any printed words. This was the patriotic sentiment of the people. Mr Massey said he hoped a sufficiently strong naval force would be kept to maintain connections m all parts of the Empire. He hoped there would never be a war, but everyone knew that the more densely • inhabited countries of the world were only kept within bounds and prevented from inflicting injustice" on their weaker neighbours by their fear of a stronger Power than themselves. New Zealand waß feeling severely her war expenditure, but he took the responsibility of saying that she would find her fail* share of money to provide a Navy strong enough to protect the Pacific, and was prepared to join any well-thought-out Alliance with America, though he did not think that possible yet. Mr Massey emphasised the importance of the subject of the Anglo-Japa-nese Treaty. He had told his own Parliament that he was quite prepared, with necessary modifications, to support a renewal of the Treaty. He referred to Japanese help to New Zealand m the early days of the war, \when no other naval aid was available; but supporting a renewal of the Treaty did not affect m the slightest degree the New Zealanders' right to choose their fellow citizens. He was quite prepared to take America's views tajbo consideration m a renewal of the Treaty. Mr Massev said he intended to bring up .the question of shipping communications and the need for faster mail aad passenger services with Britain. The elections m New Zealand next year would prevent his attendance at any Conference. , Mr Ma&gey's speech makes two and a-half columns m the London Press. In an interview Mr Massey said he could see no reason why there should not be an agreement or understanding between America and the British Empire, although not necessarily on paper He did -not know just how, but , perhaps by a "gentleman's agreement " America could probably make » declaration by Congressional resolution, -tie could foresee great commer«i*l development m the P&eifio and a statement of policy would facilitate adjustment of problems likely to arise^ He continued: "The problem of defence m the Pacific is for us an Empire problem. We obtain protection from, and naturally expect to contribute our SSTt? Empire defence We haye m tbe past aud Are prepared m the fut-

ure to be called on for still larger contributions."