CANADA AND DEFENCE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 86, 11 April 1912, Page 7

CANADA AND DEFENCE

ALLEGED POLICY. DENIAL BY THE PRIME MTNISTEE. By Telegraph.— Press Association.-- Copyright, OTTAWA, 10th April. Tho Prime Minister, Mr. .E. L. Borden, describes as foundationkfis the outline of Canada's alleged defence policy published by the Quebec Chronicle, in which the paper stated that it had been, decided to treat the question of naval defence on non-party lines, and that tenders would bo immediately called for two super-Dreadnought cruiser.: Meanwhile, it was stated by the Chronicdo, Canada would represent to Britain and the other Dominion* that naval autonomy was essential, and that representation was imperative. This could be moo only by the creation of an Imperial squadron, to which Britain and the Dominions -would contribute, controlled by a special admiralty board, on which the contributors would be represented. In spite of this some papers, while admitting that it is- not proper that a policy should be promulgated before Mr. Borden and Mr. J. D. Hazen (Minister of Marine and Naval Service) have submitted the scheme to the Admiralty, say it is evident that means should be found to test public opinion in Canada as well as in Britain and the other Dominions, before Canada is formally committed to a definite scheme. THE BURDEN. Commenting upon the naval proposals put forward by the Canadian Premier the London Standard (according to a recent cable message in the Sydney Sun) writes : — "Our kinsmen in Canada can scarcely mise greatness, however her destiny is shaped. Within or without the British Empire she is assured of a prosperous, dignified future, but as the majestic central arch of a great Empire she can achieve a more splendid destiny than is open to her in any other direction. " Canada is eager to add to Eer other responsibilities a just, even a generous share, of the expense of Imperial defence, but she is properly regardful of her position as a self-governing nation, and sensible of the slightest infringement of her absolute autonomy. When Mr. Borden and his Ministers come to London in May they will place before the Home Govex-nment proposals to constitute an Imperial Board of Admiralty, on which the ' self-governing States are to be adequately represented. The justice of this demand can hardly be resisted. It is unquestionable that the adoption of this principle will be to Britain's advantage. "It is confidently to be hoped that we are on the ©ye of solving a problem which but for the patriotism of the overseas nations might have , long continued to perplex British statesmen. The burden of Imperial defence is growing too great for our small island, but the abounding resources of Anglo-Saxondoin at large can be brought to bear without jealousy or waste of strength on a common object, and then the British Empire will present an impregnable front to the world."