SINGAPORE BASE

Evening Star, Issue 18883, 6 March 1925, Page 9

SINGAPORE BASE

DEBATE IH THE LORDS BALFOUR OH JAPAN'S VIEW DO DOMINIONS' OFFERS HOLD ? MODERATE EXPENDITURE PROPOSED Press Association—By Telegraph—-CopyricH LONDON, March 5. {Received March 6, at 8.55 a.m.) In the House of Lords Viscount VVimborno said there was conflict of opinion as to whether the Singapore bass was a vital and urgent necessity. When the laic Government abandoned the scheme its action was supported by Labor opinion in Australia and New Zealand. Earl Balfour said ho was on most cordial and intimate terms with the Japanese delegates at the Washington Conference, and there had boon frequent' correspondence between him and them since. Ho had never heard a hint that the base was regarded as a menace to Japan. No other nation in the world would have, left Singapore defenceless for so long, Japan ought not to be dragged into the matter. The idea of war between Britain and Japan was abhorrent to both nations. The selfgoverning dominions knew that the defence of the Empire rested with the British fleet alone. A glance at the map shows that the only way to make the fleet in the Pacific and Indian Oceans effective is the Singapore base. Viscount Haldane said there was nothing in the proposal contrary to the letter of the agreement, at Washington, but it was proposed to set up a, new weapon, and thus cast a doubt as to whether our sentiments were genuine. Ho did not think there was any reasonable danger likely to attend Australia and New Zealand. Wc were on the friendliest terms with Japan, if the base were set up a large number of troops would bo needed, and an Eastern fleet as well as a Western fleet. Marquis Cur/.on urged that the Singapore base was indispensable. If there were war in the Ear East, and wo did not send a fleet to Singapore, our trade routes would be destroyed, and the dominions would be exposed. Lord Haldane’s remark that the base was a provocative measure was an empty commonplace.—A. and N.Z. Cable. LONDON, March 5. Marquis Curzon stated that the proposed expenditure for which Parliament would be asked in connection with the Singapore base would only bo £204,000 in the present financial year, £506,000 in the next financial year, and £277,000 in the following year. Ho emphasised the willingness of the dominions to contribute towards the erection of the base. The Australian and New Zealand Governments must take into account their new commitments, consequent on the MacDonald Government's decision, in Considering the extent to which they could at present co operate in the development of Singapore. Lord Cnrzon added that a graving- dock at Singapore had not yet been decided upon. —Reuter. QUESTION IN COMMONS. FOREIGN MINISTER'S DUEL WITH LABOR ITE. HONGKONG’S GENEROSITY. LONDON, March 5. (Received A larch 6, at 9.55 a.m.) In the Commons at question time Mr Amery (Colonial Secretary) said that Hongkong had generously offered £250,000 towards the cost of the Singapore base, representing the profits made by the colony out of the local scheme of shipping control in war time. This gift was gratefully accepted by His Majesty’s Government. The generous offer by the Straits Settlement to provide the necessary land still fields good. Mr Ammon : Does the offer from Australia and New Zealand still hold (good? Mr Amery. That does not seem to arise out of this question. I will answer it if it is put down on the Order Paper. Mr Hardie (Labor) asked. whether the Government anticipated that the FourPower Treaty in regard to the Pacific would not he renewed in 1951, and whether tlie Government now considered the present safeguards adequate. Mr Austen Chamberlain replied that ho was unable to anticipate a decision on this question, which would not arise until 1953. Nothing had so far occurred suggesting any doubt respecting the value of the treaty or foreshadowing its non-renewal. The Government believed the treaty would facilitate the settlement of any difficulties arising between the signatories. Mr Hardie suggested that as the Washington Agreement restricting armaments made warfare in the Pacific unlikely during the next decade, it would bo better to observe tiio status quo than to invito war by proceeding with the Singapore base. Mr Chamberlain replied that Singapore was not proposed ns a means of waging war, defensive or offensive, but as a necessary link in Imperial communications. Mr Hardie said there were people in the Pacific who did not take the same viewpoint, and it was a difference in viewI point that led to war. j Mr Chamberlain : Yes, that is exactly i why Mr Hardie should bo very careful i in regard to the color ho gave these un- ! friendly suggestions.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE .SITE PURCHASED. SINGAPORE, March 4, Official: The cost of the silo for the naval base is 1,250,000d01. The acquisition lias now been completed, and the land will bo handed over as required. Hongkong is contributing 250,000d0l towards the cost of the base. Interest lias been added to the Naval Conference at Singapore by the presence in Dutch waters of the American fleet, which is at present at Batavia.—Router.