Speech by the Duke of Devonshire.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXX, Issue 289, 7 December 1896, Page 2

Speech by the Duke of Devonshire.

[United Press Association.! London, December 4. The Duke of Devonshire, Lord President of the Council, in tbe course of a ►peech to the Empire League, said that tbe Admiralty had selected ports of defence, for coaling, refitting, and repairing stations which were absolutely secure, and where there was a liability of attack resources for resistance co-existed, The Government, he said, hold it to be the duty of the colonies to provide fixed defences and troops. Defence works without adequate troops were useless and delusive. He said it was not necessary to approach the Imperial Government until the commercial side ot the League proved useful in paving the way for' a better understanding with the colonies. The Admiralty, he added, would maintain British supremacy at sea and protect the colonies from any organised invasion, but would olaim the disposal of all troops, not limiting their action to their immediate vicinity when it was found that particular spot was better defended than places at a distance from the colonies. The Duke said Eugland must repel raids on commercial ports at a distance from a naval basis. Sir Westby Perceval (N,Z.) said he hoped that the difficulty of commercial union would be overcome. Sir Charles Tupper (Canada) expressed himself delighted »t Victoria favouring the suggestion for a conference to discuss the question of defence. The press generally support the holding of a conference.