DOMINIONS AND THE NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18387, 1 May 1923, Page 6

DOMINIONS AND THE NAVY.

Rumour is already busy about the naval proposals likely to be considered at the Imperial Conference, and it has been hinted that the Admiralty intends to place before the Conference a scheme for pooling the Empire's naval resources. Naturally, the Admiralty declines to anticipate the Conference by publishing its views at this juncture; the matter is one for private discussion by the representatives when they meet. But there is every reason ,£or the Dominions themselves giving serious , consideration to the matter prior to the Conference, 'with a view to empowering their representatives to make definite proposals of co-operation with the Mother Country. The present position is chaotic in the extreme. Contributions of an inadequate nature are being made: the influence of the Washington Conference has reactedon the Dominions in the direction of whittling down their naval forces until they represent little or no contribution to the security of the Empire. It is perfectly obvious that the Admiralty must make request for a measure of support from the Dominions more commensurate with their gains from the Navy than any contribution yet made. Why need they wait until the Admiralty's scheme is propounded at the Conference? The details of the scheme will involve technical matters which must necessarily have discussion then; but, whatever the outcome of that particular discussion, the Dominions- must be prepared to shoulder a considerably larger portion of the financial burden. About their willingness to bear a fairer share of responsibility they should, at any rate, be prepared to express an opinion. The fact that the Admiralty can only propose, not compel, the Dominions' adequate cooperation, makes it supremely desirable that they themselves should not wait to be asked. Offers of worthier help would clear the way for the Admiralty's plans. At present matters could not be very much worse than they are. The development .of the Dominions' policies has never proceeded in a logical way. A sort of go-as-you-please has obtained. The Dominions may, of course, still go as they please the Admiralty cannot force contributions ;it can only ask. The rendering of that request ought to be made unnecessary by the Dominions' representatives being charged with promises of equitable, if not generous, assistance.