DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3832, 15 May 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC

A NEW POSITION ARISING

HON. JAS. ALLEN AT VANCOUVER. NOT TO BE DRAWN BY INTERVIEWERS. .UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) VANCOUVER. May 14. Tho Hon. J. Allen has arrived. The civil and military officers, also cadets welcomed him. In an interview ho declared that he was greatly impressed with his Canadian trip. Ho was questioned as to Now Zealand’s naval policy, but declined to outline it, because he must first submit it for the New Zealand Government’s approval. It is iinderstood that a permanent policy will he drafted' in conjunction with tho Admiralty. Mr Allen was entertained by the Canadian Club. Ho appealed for Canadian asistanco in tho defence of the Pacific in conjunction with Australia. As a Britisher ho would, he said, like to seo a consolidated Empire strong enough to stand without an entente cordiale, not that he undervalued an entente. Undoubtedly tho North Sea and Mediterranean wero vital points of tho Empire’s defence, but the Pacific ought not to be disregarded. The Pacific was becoming increasingly important and ought to bo protected. Mr Allen, interviewed, said that British Ministers had not fully realised the new position arising in the Pacific. They did not seo tho need of keeping tho race pure, and the keeping out of unfair economic competition. Now' Zealand was desperately anxious to preserve its traditions of freedom, and its privileges, and appealed to Canada to aid her. He said only by such a union could anything o;f real benefit to the Empire be achievod.

It is understood that Mr Allen, as the result of a conference with the Admiralty, will recommend to New Zealand an adequate system of land defences; also the formation of a mosquito fleet, which will he utilisable in New Zealand waters. Whether New Z alarnl will later build battleships form a local licet on the Australian model Mr Allen refused to state. Mr Alban continuing, said they must use lo"al sentiment and local patriotism to create a great Imperial fleet unit, stationed in the Pacific, but r-eu!v t<> go io the Atlantic at wartime’ There should to one control of such n fleet in war time, namely the King and Admiralty. Each Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand fleet should be able to act independently, and combined sliould be Jible to keep the Pacific pathway open.