DEFENCE OF EMPIRE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 196, 16 May 1930, Page 9

DEFENCE OF EMPIRE

NAVY LIST REVELATIONS ECONOMIES IN AUSTRALIAN ESTABLISHMENT ADVICE TO DOMINIONS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. London, May 14. Mow slender is the line of naval defence at the outposts of the Empire is revealed in the Navy List. This declaration is made by the naval editor of the “Daily Telegraph” in describing the sweeping economies effected in the establishment of the Royal Australian Navy, resulting in more than half the effective ships being placed on the reserve list. “The naval establishments of Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa are even more exiguous, consequently the burden of defending the scattered States of the Empire must still be borne .by the Royal Navy, which at present has fifteen cruisers serving overseas. The fifty cruisers allotted us by the London Treaty have to serve the needs of the whole Empire, not merely those of Great Britain. We shall find it extremely difficult in years to come to keep the overseas squadrons up to strength, as the multiplication of cruisers is forbidden. The Dominion can best provide for future defence by building destroyers and submarines, and developing their air forces.” COST OF CONFERENCE REDUCTION OF NAVAL' PERSONNEL (Rec. May 15, 7 p.m.). London, May' 14. Replying to a question in the House of Commons, Dr. Dalton (under-Secre-tary for Foreigiu Affairs) said the Naval Conference had cost £16,600 and lasted ninety-one days. Dr. Dalton could not say what would be the total reduction of the naval personnel resulting from the treaty, but the cutting out of five capital ships within two years would mean a saving of 2500 officers and men, without resorting to special methods. SINGAPORE BASE NO DECISION YET London, May 14. lu the House of Commons Captain Eden (C.) inquired if there was any decision as the outcome of the Naval Conference to proceed with the Singapore Base as agreed at the Imperial Conference in 1926. The First Lord, Mr. A. V. Alexander, said that the question was still being considered. Captain Eden: “Why a further delay beyond the three months promised ?” Mr. Alexander: "You are anxious for the Dominions to be consulted. It is most important to examine the whole facts.”

BRITISH' SUBMARINE LAUNCHED London, May 14. (Rec. May 15, 5.5 p.m.) The British submarine Rainbow, one of tlie R class of the 1928 programme, was successfully launched at Chatham dockyard this afternoon by Mrs. Addison, wife of Vice-Admiral Addison, director of dockyards.