THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3461, 13 October 1913, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE QUESTION.

MAY BE HELD EVEN YET. NEWSPAPER DISCUSSION IN ENGLAND. [united tress association—cjopyright] (Received Oct. 12, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 12. Opinions are expressed that it is regrettable that the Commonwealth Ministry does not recognise that the report that the Defence Conference had been abandoned was merely a canard manufactured by a small section of the Conservative party press for the purpose of berating the Liberal Government. Neither the public nor politicians of either party are the slightest bit interested in the controversy, which in present conditions is futilo and aimless. It would be most regrettable for the Commonwealth Ministry, upon misleading information, to express opinions which may rupture their harmonious relations with the British Government and prejudice Imperial and Australian interests.

The “Daily Telegraph,” commenting on Mr. Cook’s statement, says:— “The Dominions are in the dark regarding the navy, and light is refused them, and so the Empire is threatened with developments oF a most disquiting dharacter, as the tone of Mr. Cook’s statement shows.”

The “Telegraph” contradicts Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s assertion that there is no naval emergency, and says that, on the contrary, the situation is becoming worse. Britain is like Atlas bearing up the world, and with the Empire and the dominions showing anxiety to respond to Mr. Churchill’s urgent call, it is not too late for Mr. Asquith to still see the wisdom of calling a conference. The “Chronicle” dissents from Mr. Churchill’s references to navy development. Foreign efforts from naval into military channels ought to ease competition. The Liberals must demand a policy different from that of the further acceleration of armaments at a terrific pace.

MR. BORDEN’S NAVAL POLICY.

A SIGNIFICANT BY-ELECTION

(Received Oct. 13, 12.20 a.m.) MONTREAL, Oct. 12. The Conservatives won the Chateau Quay election by a small majority, thus indicating that support of Mr. Borden’s naval policy is strong in Quebec province.