NAVAL WARFARE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14587, 25 January 1911, Page 7

NAVAL WARFARE.

NEW LAW OF CONTRABAND.

AUSTRALIA'S OBJECTIONS.

" A HEATHEN. POLICY."

By Tftlezrapt.—Press Association.—

(Received January 24, 11. p.m.)

London, January 21. The Daily News says that if the Imperial Conference supports Australia in regard to the Declaration of London, which formulates new laws for naval warfare, the decision will practically kill the Declaration as far. as England is concerned. _

The Declaration does not place Britain in a worse position than at present, as regards . raw material and foodstuffs, contends the News, which adds: "It would be a pity if the Declaration were obstructed because it is less progressive than it might be."

Sir John Taverner (Agent-General for Victoria) declared, in an interview, that the" ratification of the Declaration as it stands would be a heathen policy. Germany and France were self-supporting, but Britain was incapable of providing food for her millions, and was dependent on other countries, notably Australia.

WHERE SAFETY LIES.

London, January 23.

The Westminster Gazette says the Declaration of London gives a code of international law, instead of the system prevailing hitherto, which was dependent on the combatants, but Britain's safety lies in the power to keep the sea open, not in any international agreement.