GIFT TO THE EMPIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 104, 4 May 1937, Page 11

GIFT TO THE EMPIRE

A SECOND BATTLESHIP

FROM SULTANS OF MALAYA

LONDON, April 17,

While several Malayan Sultans are in London for the Coronation, it is forecast that they will make a handsome gesture towards the Empire, and the possibility is being discussed that the gift will be a battleship.

The Malaya, which the Sultans gave to King George V before the war, was one of the most successful ships at the Battle of Jutland.

The Malay States are among the richest Governments in the world. Their surplus is increasing owing to rubber and tin booms, and this surplus may be devoted to the purchase of a battleship.

The Sultans, whose rule is guaranteed by Britain, are most anxious to see the Singapore Base completed speedily and an effective battle-squad-ron stationed there. The Sultan of Johore has already contributed £500,000 to the base.

It is suggested that in 1938 the Queen* Elizabeth, Barham, Malaya, and Warspite may be stationed at Singapore co-operating with the Australian, New Zealand, China, and East Indies Squadrons, and forming a powerful Empire fleet patrol of the Pacific zone, enclosed by points at Hong Kong, Singapore, Trincomalee. Darwin, and Auckland.

The Dutch, who have become nervous since the German-Japan pact, are strongly fortifying the East Indies bases, increasing their navy, army, and air establishments, and are prepared to co-operate to Iho fullest with the Anglo-Australian forces.