IMPERIAL QUESTIONS

Evening Star, Issue 14413, 8 July 1910, Page 6

IMPERIAL QUESTIONS

DEFENCE AND PREFERENCE.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.

LONDON, July 7.

Speaking at the Imperial Co-operation League’s luncheon (Lord Onslow in the chair), Sir George Reid, after referring to the waking up of the Empire, detailed Australia’s plans in regard to compulsory military training. He thought that all parties in England might make tins question a non-party one, as had been done in Australia. The* Australian Navy was going to be particularly small, but very rigorous. But far the strongest factor was the feeling behind it. It was now realised that the whole of the destinies of the Empire might depend on the fate of one great encounter. Australia had never perceived so clearly that her own defence was part of the Imperial defence. On the question of commerce, Sir George thoroughly believed in the sort of Preference enabling the counti-y to prefer its own products first and the products of other parts of the Empire next. That sort of Preference did not need Acts of Parliament. If they bought firstly British and then colonial goods they would have a measure) of Tariff Reform not requiring the Royal assent. Parliament was not the true centre of reform ; the true centre of national reform lay in the hearts, understandings, and habits of the whole of the people.