IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 March 1937, Page 7

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

BRITISH NAVAL POLICY

FLEET FOR FAR EAST ?

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

(Recd. March 13, 11.45 a.m.). LONDON, March 12

Sir S. Hoare’s allusion to Britain’s determination regarding the twohemisphere standard is understood to indicate the establishment of a Far Eastern Fleet as strong as the Home and Mediterranean Fleets. The Australian Associated Press gathers that this will be one of the main features of the Imperial Conference discussions, in which the Dominions’ naval co-operation with Britain will be sought.

SOUTH AFRICAN ATTITUDE

CAPE TOWN, March 12.

It is stated officially that the Government has informed the othei’ members of the Empire that South Africa, although agreeing to general matters of defence being raised at the Imperial Conference, will not be in a position, in view of the absence of the Defence Minister, to come to any decision on any matter of principle affecting the Union. This applies also to air communications.

ESTIMATES CRITICISED. / LONDON, March 11

Brigadier-General Sir William Alexander, in criticising the naval estimates in the House of Commons, said: “Along that road lies the beginning of the end of the Empire.” He asked if the naval strength of Australia and New Zealand would be increased, and, if so, whether the Dominions would contribute." “If there is danger of a war in the Pacific the Dominions might find themselves in different mind from what they have been in recently,” he added. EMPIRE BROADCAST. LONDON, March 12. Mr Baldwin, on April 17, will initiate a series of Empire broadcasts on “The responsibilities of Empire,” in which Lord 1 Snell, Mr Churchill and five overseas representatives, including an Australian, will participate.