NAVAL TREATY

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 July 1930, Page 7

NAVAL TREATY

DEBATE IN COMMONS

[by CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

LONDON. July 25.

Mr. Ammon moved the second reading of the London Naval Treaty Bill. Commander Southby said he consilered the bill should be delayed until after the forthcoming Imperial Conference. Mr. Baldwin asked whether the Government had any assurance from the Dominions including the Irish Free State, that they would give effect to the legislation necessary to carry out. the terms of the bill. Mr. Alexander said that the Government had indications from all of the Dominions represented at the Naval Conference that, they now intended fully to recognise the London Naval Treaty. The Government had no doubt that the Dominions would pass the necessary legislation to carry out their obligations. If there were any doubt, it could be settled at the Imperial Conference, but. there was lio reason why the House of Commons should delay till then.

The bill passed the second reading.

AUSTRALIA’S NEEDS

SYDNEY, July 24

“Australia is the most isolated and sparsely populated portion of the Empire, and therefore occupies the position of greatest, danger in war time." This is an extract from a report to Federal Government made by General Sir Harry Chauvel, coincident wtih his retirement from the position of Chief of the General Military Staff. Sir H. Chauvel considers a. revision of Australia’s defence policy urgent, and adds: “It is obvious that provision of adequate naval forces is beyond the financial capacity of Australia, but she is so dependent on sea. defence that it is equally obvious that she should contribute what she (‘an towards it. having in view her primary responsibility for providing necessary land and airforces for her local defences.”