NAVAL DEFENCE

Horowhenua Chronicle, 31 January 1921, Page 3

NAVAL DEFENCE

T. The Problem of the Pacific. THE DOMINIONS’ PART. Jiv Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Per Press Association.) (Received This Day, 1.35 pan.) London, January 30. Rear-Admiral Patey, in a contribution to the naval discussion, says l.« knows nothing to justify the statement that up-to-date battle ships are obsolete and valueless. He believes a combination of surface ships, submarines and aircraft is essential for - the protection,,of the lines of sea communication. commerce and coasts. He says,“The suggestion that w© should .wait and do nothing may attract politicians, but the Empire cannot afford to wait. Unless we immediately do the best for ourselves, in four years we shall be reduced to the position of a second-rate naval Power, which is intolerable. The most pressing need in Australia and New Zealand is dockyards. Whether Britain or Austra.l- - asia provides the ships, docking facilities must be made available. This is urgent, because the presence of ships in Australasian waters will be imperative in the event of Pacific complications.” Admiral Patey believes Australia and New Zealand should concentrate on dockyards, aircraft and submarine bases while Britain supplies the largest surface vessels. Admiral Patey was formerly Commander of the Australian Navy.

Equal Rights. NO COLOUR LINE FOR JAPANESE. (Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) Tokio, January 29, Replying to interpellations in the Diet, Baron Uchida stated negotiations were proceeding with Britain to secure equal treatment of coloured people in the South Pacific Islands. The treaty clans:s dealing with the islands south of the Equator had not yet been interpreted. Japan favoured a policy which would ensure equal opportunity for Japanese .and British, and desired to respect the mandate administrations south of the Equator.