PACIFIC GATEWAY

Northern Advocate, 4 May 1923, Page 5

PACIFIC GATEWAY

—-• STRATEGIC SINGAPORE. FUTURE NAVAL BASE. OBVIOUS POLICY. LONDON, May 2. The ''Daily Express" states that the naval strength of the British Empire is to be moved from the North Soa to the Far East. Singapore will become the great naval base of the future. There is no question of preparing for a new war. It is merely a form of insurance. The transcendent importance of a naval base at Singapore from the political and strategic point of view is obvious. If Gibraltar is the d'»or of the Mediterranean, assuredly Singapore is the gateway of ocean traffic to the Pacific. A strong fleet at Singapore could practically sever commercial communication between Europe and the Far East. Moreover, Singapore is one base from which the defence of Australia can be assured. —A. and N.Z. WISE PREPARATION. OBJECTIONS COUNTERED. LONDON, May 2. In the House of Commons to-day, during the debate on the Singapore naval base vote, Captain Hay opposed the base, and asked if we were fortifying against America or Japan. Mr Penny considered that it would be suicidal not to prepare for the eventuality of war. The decision to establish a base at Singapore was extremely wise. , Mr C. W. Dnrbyshiro urged England to take a lead in the League of Nations instead of continually talking about insuring against war. From experience of building operations in Singaport they would be jolly lucky if tho.y got out of the scheme under twenty millions. Viseount Curzon said that we most prepare against war, or beiijg weak would invite attack.. • We. would be acting wisely in providing a base at the gateway of the IJaat. . , Colonel Amery, replying, pointed out that Britain had. disarmed more .completely than any Great Power which; participated in. the Great War. The strength of the- British;; Empire; was an essential factor •to the League 9f Nations. - The Singapore rbase was. part of the essential equipment of the Navy, must be mobile .and have a chain >f fuel and repairing ,Btations.., It ypas no more a menace, to than Portsmouth was to Franco. The Imperial' Conference had approved the scheme lb 1921. The subject Jiad been closely investigated, and reinvestigated for three years. The present Government had confirmed its predecessors' ,views. The scheme was not contrary either to the League of Nations or the Washington Treaty. Jt .the /.'Navy, was so largely reduced . that the. fuel and x repairing station was needed. Mr Lambert's amendment was,, defeated by 253 to 94, and the vote was carried by 274 to .51.—A. and N.Z.