ARRIVAL AT VANCOUVER.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14666, 15 May 1913, Page 7

ARRIVAL AT VANCOUVER.

THE EMPIRE AND THE PACIFIC

NEW ZEALAND'S NAVAL POLICY

VANCOUVER. May 13

Tho Hon. J. Alien has arrived. The civil and military official*, and a .'so the cadets, welcomed him. In an interview fie declared that ho was greatly impressed with his Canadian trip. He was questioned as to New Zealand's naval policy, but declined to outline it because ho must first submit it for the approval of tho New Zealand Government. It is understood that a permanent policy will be drafted in conjunction with tho Admiralty.

Mr Allen v.as entertained by the Canadian Club. Ho appealed for Canadian assistance in the defence of the Pacific in conjunction with Australia. As a Britisher ho would like to see a consolidated Empire, strong enough to stand without tho entente cordiale —not that he undervalued tho entente. Undoubtedly the North Sea and tho Mediterranean were- vital points in the defence, of the Empire, but the Pacific ought not to be disregarded. The Pacific was becoming increasingly important and ought to be protected. British Ministers, ho said, had not fully realised the new position arising in the Pacific- They did not sec the need of keeping the race pure and tho keeping out of unfair economic competition. New Zealand was desperately anxious to preserve its traditions of freedom and its privileges, and lie nppealed to Canada to aid therein. He said that only by such union could anything of real benefit to the Empire bo achieved.

Continuing. Mr Allon said they must use local sentiment and local patriotism to creato a great Imperial fleet. A unit might bo stationed in tho Pacific, but be ready to go to the Atlantic in war time. There should be one control of such a fleet in wartimo, namely, tho King's Admiralty. Each of tho Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand fleets should bo able to act independently, but combined they would bo ablo to keep the Pacific pathways open. It is understood that Mr Allen, as tho result of his conference with the Admiralty, will recommend for New Zealand an adequate system of land defence, also the formation of a mosquito fleet which would bo utilised in New Zealand waters. Whether New Zealand would later build battleships and form a local fleet on the Australian model Mr Allen Tefused to stato.