SINGAPORE BASE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 51, 23 November 1929, Page 11

SINGAPORE BASE

ATTITUDE OF BRITISH GOVERNMENT CRITICISMS IN HOUSE OF COMMONS DOMINIONS NOT CONSULTED (United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Rec. November 22, 10 p.m.) London, November 22. In the House of Commons, on the motion for adjournment, Captain Eden raised the question of the Singapore base. Captain Eden complained of the attitude adopted by the Government In arriving at a decision. Australia, New Zealand, Hong-Kong, and the Straits Settlements had all generously contributed to the cost which the construction of the base involved. Yet the Government, without bothering to consult the Dominions or the colonies, abruptly decided to change the accepted policy. The fullest information ought to be given to every part of the Empire before any such change was made. Mr. Arthur Ponsonby (Parliamentary Secretary for the Dominions), replying, explained that there was no change of policy, but merely a precautionary measure—a provisional step in view of possible eventualities, such as the decision of the Five-Power Naval Conference. The Dominions and colonies were informed, but not consulted, at the earliest possible moment. Mr. Ponsonby added that he was undertaking that there would be the closest collaboration with the Dominions. When there was a decision in policy there would be the fullest consultation. The Government considered the Dominions had every right to the closest consultation now they had achieved full nationhood. The Government did not regard this as an occasion for consultation, but there would be the fullest consultation If eventualities should prove that it was necessary to make a change in policy. Mr. Amery said the reply involved the conduct of the Government in a complete fog. Obviously there must be fuller discussions later. The House then rose. CONSERVATIVES REQUEST FULL DRESS DEBATE (Rec. November 22, 7.30 p.m.) /' Loudon, November 22. Owing to the unsatisfactory Government replies in the House of Commons in last night’s .discussion on the Singapore base, Mr. Amery states that the Conservatives are requesting a fulldress debate. THE NAVAL CONFERENCE JAPANESE DELEGATE OPPOSED Tokio, November 21. In a strongly-supported appeal, the Premier, Mr. Hamaguchi, is protesting against Mr. Wakatsuki as unsuitable to represent Japan at the Naval Conference, because he is involved in a scandal at present under adjudication relating to the Government purchase of a private railway, when huge amounts are alleged to have been paid to various legislators to secure the passage of a Bill.