THE NAVAL AGREEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15663, 17 July 1914, Page 6

THE NAVAL AGREEMENT.

Although Mr. Churchill refuses to admit that the British Admiralty has broken the agreement entered into in 1009 between the Admiralty and Sir Joseph Ward as represent-, ing New Zealand, the people of the Dominion cannot overlook the hard fact that the ships stipulated for in that agreement have not appeared in the Pacific. It is futile to suggest that the Admiralty has not broken faith when, in spite of repeated requests by the New Zealand Government, it has refused to send the two Bristol cruisers, three destroyers, and two submarines which it agreed in 1009 should be stationed in these waters. As a matter of fact, not only has the j 1909 agreement been abandoned without the consent of New Zealand, but practically no attempt has been made by the Admiralty to fulfil the obligations then incurred, although the Dominion has fulfilled hers to the letter. In a vain effort to - retain the agreement, even in a form hardly recognisable, the New Zealand Government offered to dispense with destroyers and Bubmarines and to raise the subsidy 50 per cent, if the two Bristol cruisers were provided. There may be sound strategic reasons for keeping Bristol cruisers, submarines, and destroyers in Home waters, but Mr. Churchill shows lack of candour in pretending that the Admiralty has kept its bargain. The relationships of New Zealand and the Mother Land are not likely to be affected by the incident, as has been suggested, because New Zealand recognises that the great Imperial spirit and the great Imperial purpose remain unaffected by the actions of any temporary political head of the Admiralty. The only result is that while New Zealand continues absolutely loyal and desirous of serving . the common interests of the Empire, she is considering a change of method. It has become incumbent upon her to shape her naval defence policy so that it will be stable and continuing in spite of a change of politicians at the Admiralty.