BRITISH NAVY

Evening Star, Issue 19197, 13 March 1926, Page 4

BRITISH NAVY

DISCUSSION IN COMMONS LABOR PACIFIST'S CHARGES Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 11. Tlie former Under-Secretary to the Admiralty, Air C. G. Ammon (Lab.), tweaking on the Admiralty Estimates, asked ivir \\ r . C.Bridgemai. (First Lord) whether there, was any alteration in the* Singapore policy in view of the Locarno Agreement. He understood that the graving dock would be first constructed, and then the floating dock. Mr Bridgeman interjected: “I have always said that the floating dock would bo first constructed, and the graving dock afterwards.” Mr Ammon, continuing, said that Singapore could only bo interpreted as an unfriendly act towards Japan. (Ministerial cries of "No.”) He had the statements of responsible Japanese statesmen that they regarded it in that light. The fortification of moss-grown Indian ports suggested some great activity in preparation for war in those directions. Mr Bridgeman explained that the work connected with the floating dock and base at Singapore had cost £225,000 during the present year, but only £95,000 would be paid by Britain, because the remainder would coma from the unexpended portion of Hongkong’s gift of £250,000. As the construction advanced it would then bo possible to see to what extent the graving dock idea should be carried on. The dominions would be consulted on this subject at the forthcoming conference. After enumerating the dominions’ naval contribution, Mr Bridgeman said that Britain was grateful for these, but would gladly welcome any increase. He generally defended the economies, which, ho said, were in directions enabling their ready reinstatement in the event of a crisis. Mr E. Scrymgeour (lad.) moved—- “ That tho House regards the expenditure on tho Navy as wasteful and futile. The motion was negatived by 196 votes to 113.

When tlio House went into committee on the Navy Estimates Mr G. Lausbury (Lab.) moved to reduce the vote by 100,000 men, incidentally expressing; the hope that the rule in the next war would be “old men first,” when it was certain there would be no war. He proceeded to read a so-called peace letter, in which the signatories pledged themselves to take no part in the next war. Viscountess Astor: Not even class War? The remark produced angrv protests. Mr Lansbury added that it was an abominable lie to sav that Britain had entered the Groat War on behalf of Belgium, Mr Bridgoman said that the speech was provocative, and the arguments were contemptible. The motion was negatived by 186 votes to 119.—A. and N.Z. Cable. A WORD FOR. THE DOMINIONS. LONDON, March 12. (Received March 13, at 9.50 a.m.) ' In the debate in the House of Commons on tbo Navy Estimates Mr Ammon asked for information in regard to the development of Indian navy fortifications in India. He declared that the Government’s Singapore policy was calculated to lead to war in the bar East, and it bad aroused the suspicions of Japan and China.

Commander Bellairs (Con.) urged that the question of future defence should be submitted to the Imperial Conference. He declared that Australia and Near Zealand might as well throw the money they spent on defence into the sea if they could not be assured of the support of the great British fleet in the event of war with Japan. Their ships would simply be a prey for the Japanese navy without the British fleet, and if they could not rely on the support of the British Navy their eyes would turn to America.— Editor.