THE FLEET.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 295, 7 September 1908, Page 7

THE FLEET.

UNCLE SAM AND MOTHER ENGLAND, NAVAL POLICY. DANGERS OF A DIVIDED CONTROL. (dt TELEGH/irji—rrtess,association—corrniGHT.) London, September 4. . The "Daily Telegraph,',':in'an article, says that so long as the security• of.Australasia* depends primarily on.tthe, the real governing voice concerning the direction of any Australian naval force must rest with the Admiralty, if it is to bo employed to the best advantage. The paper adds: "Divided control would be fatal to concerted purpose and decisive action." REPLY TO AMERICAN PRESS. NAVAL SUPREi'tIcY IN ALL SEAS. •1 CONCENTRATION THE KEY. (Rec. September 7, 0.31 a.m.) London, September 5. "The Times," in '• remarking-.-.that l .Lord Northcoto and Mr. Deakih-'haw spoken~ad-: mirably for the Empire, replies to the comments of a section of 'the "American;'jSjfess-'.as' follows': — "It cannot be too widely realised that tlio naval supremacy the;Jifo of the Empire and every sdparate!;part;of :it, means supremacy in all the waters of the world; and that supremacy .we"a're. determined to maintain, and though we trust that as the younger Britains .develop they will reinforce the Empire's,,naval .power Vwitla ships and men, we cannot allow that power to declino because at present,its. burden falls almost' entirely upon ourselves." " >:

"Australia's passionate desire for racial purity lias led some sections of,, Australian opinion to take a mistaken view of British policy in tlio East, and the Australian public is sometimes slow-to'appreciate tlio policy of concentrating our main fighting strength in European waters. If the Australians are intent on a White" Australian ideal they' are also growing more alivo to the responsibilities it entails."..■ "Tho Times" welcomes the spirit of popular awakening expressed by Mr. Deakin's proposals for, universal military training'and for coastal defence. FAREWELLS. MR. DEAKIN'S .INVITATION, Melbourne, September 5. ' At a farewell luncheon to the officers of the fleet, Mr. Dealcin, the Federal Prime Minister, paid a tribute to the behaviour of the men of tho fleet. He invited those who, when they returned, found America-not wide onough or not full enough of opportunities to come hack to Australia. Rear-Admiral Sperry in a farewell message to Victoria, said that everywhere-the' fleet had met with a welcome which had gladdened their stay, and drawn the bonds of friendship still closer. , - •