SINGAPORE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 7 March 1925, Page 5

SINGAPORE

BASE ESSENTIAL TO SECURITY

EMPIRE NOT LIMITED BY BRITISH ISLES”

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.), (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

MELBOURNE, This Day

Mr Bruce, refoiring to Singapore base, stated too many people in Britain are apt to regard tlie Empire as limited by the British Isles. They. forget that for many years the Dominions have been making a new and Greater Britain overseas, destined in time to outstep the Mother Country in population and wealth. This question of Singapore is not strict- - iy a question of local British politics. The question of the Singapore base was raised at the last Imperial Conference. We were asked by the British Government if we were prepared to subscribe to the cost of construction and Australia, with the other Dominions, acquiesced. Wo were, we are, consulted at every angle and we are at least entitled to be heard on the question now and submit opinions which should not bo lightly ignored. To Australia, New Zealand. and all the Empire in the East the base is essential. Unless we command the sea or are assured of reasonable safety for our commerce, communication with the rest of the Empire will lie impossible. The plea (hat the base will be an affront to Japan has already been answered by responsible Japanese statesmen. It is not strengthened by the protestations of members of the British Pari ia men}-. We welcomed and faithfully abided by every decision to reduce armaments. We have given practical proof of our desire to see the arbitrament of force replaced by that of reason, but situated as wc are, we cannot ignore the fact that the British Navy is not only the sole guarantee wo have of safety, hut is the most potent force in existence for the promotion of universal justice and peace. Unless it- is rendered efficient and mobility assured by provision of nil adequate base ih the Pacific, the existence and prestige of tie Empire will be imperilled, the peace of the world endangered, and the authority of the League of Nations underminded. I trust the same broadminded counsels will prevail that the British people will not- be led into a position fatal alike to our material welfare and ideals-