SINGAPORE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18126, 16 July 1924, Page 9

SINGAPORE.

THE BRITISH POLICY.

DECLARATION IN LORDS.

(bi cable—pbs«9 association coptbioht.) ("Amds.")

(Received July 15th, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, July 14

In the House of Lords, Viscount Chelmsford (First Lord of the Admiralty), replying to a question, said the Government was not standing still with reference to Singapore, but was still exploring the situation. Sinco Mr AlacDonald'a statement that Britain was making a gesture to the world, indicative of her views on disarmament, the United States, Japan, Franco, and Italy must have considered the position.

Viscount Haldane (Lord Chancellor) admitted that Singapore was wholly outside the boundary fixed bv the Washington Conference. He admitted also Australia's and New Zealand's displeasure at the Government's decision. The question was the effect on tho Government's general policy if a new base were established which might he an instrument of offence as well as of defence—something dominating the whole of the Pacific.

The Government was endeavouring to keep the Navy efficient, but Singapore went beyond that, and added a new weapon which it was not good for the Navy to possess.

The establishment of a new base was irreconcilable with the Government's foreign policy, which aimed at tti&king tlie world better. That policy might fail, but it was the policy on which the Government meant to stand or fall.

Lord Linlithgow said the country had not been treated fairly with reference to Singapore. He was of the opinion that abandonment Was more of a gesture to Labour extremists than to any foreign Power.