THE NAVAL POLICY.

Manawatu Standard, 2 October 1913, Page 6

THE NAVAL POLICY.

NO ANNOUNCEMENT YET. CORRESPONDENT 'E STILL PROCEEDING. (By Telegbaph.) (Feom Oub Paruamkntaky Reporter ) WELLINGTON. Oct.. 2. In the House of Representatives this afternoon Sir Joseph Ward (Leader of the Opposition) asked if the Prime Minister would indicate the period within which the House might expect to have the proposals of the Government with regard to tho navy laid before it. The matter was a very important one, and the whole country was interested He had understood some time ago that, the hon. gentleman was waiting for -ome communication from the Imperial Government. The Prime Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey) replied: "I quite recognise the importance of the subject raised, hut I am not able tyet to say at what date the Government will be able ii> make the announcement desired, for the simple reason that correspondence is still going on as between the Government (; f New Zealand and the Imperial Government on the subject of the naval defence of New Zealand and its trade routes. As soon as we are in a position to do so we .-hall make (he announcement asked for. All I can say is that the announcement will be made before the end of the session, and Parliament will Ix. 1 given an opportunity of discussing it if ir feels inclined to do so. As a matter of fact, a cable is going today from the New Zealand Government to the Imperial Government on this very matter. Mr J. Vigor Brown: Have you received the letter from Home posted on August 8? Mr Massey : Yes. A synopsis has come to hand. It is being followed up by another communication. Mr Brown: You told the House a few weeks ago that you would make an announcement when thai camp to hand. Mr Massey: Yes. but I am not able to do il. We have been advised by cable that it i<* being followed up by another letter. Sir Joseph Ward enquired if, without any breach of confidence. Mr Maosey could indicate if there were any essential points of disagreement between the two Governments. The Prime Minister replied that when the proper time came the proposals would be given to the House for public information. As Sir Joseph Ward would recognise, there were communications between the two Governments which it was impossible to make public. When the proper time came anything that was not confidential would be divulged to the House.