DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 847, 26 October 1923, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

IMPORTANCE OF SEA POWER. AUSTRALIAN PREMIER'S SPEECH. By ElCcttio Telegtaph.^Copyflglit. Received October 26, 9.55 a.m. LONDON. Got.. 25, Mr Bruce, speaking at the British Chamber Of Conmiorco dinner, in urging the need for developing the Empire industries, said the defence of tho Empire so far had been secure, but this defence largely rested on a commercial status/ At tile present moment the position of Britain amongst the commercial nations of the world wad in most serious jeopardy, and the future would become parlous unless something was done to restore British industry. There did not seem much scope for It in chaotic Europe, but there was an immediate El ace for it in tho great overseas Empire, fe challenged, the contention that in de* voloping the Empire, Britain would cut off European trade. Ho advocated the establishment throughout the Empire of such industries as were suited to them; then, perhaps, the time might come when the ideal of Empire freotrade might be considered. He pressed the need of ensuring that tho Empire was going to be Ours before Wo proceeded to its development by getting into a position in which we could depend on the great trade routes. Britain’s sea power must be maintained at an adequate point. Some pinned their faith to tho League of Nations, but it had not reached the point whore it could be depended upon to save us. Wo must have the requisite force to defend our own interests. It had been stated that the aerial defence of Britain was more important than a naval base in tho Pacific. He recognised the importance of Britain’s defence, but the protection of the Pacific was equally important. He might be accused of interference in domestic affairs, but when the safety of the Empire depended on the safety of the heart of Empire that must be bis excuse for seeming interference.--A. and N.Z. cable.