PACIFIC FLEET

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8367, 1 March 1913, Page 5

PACIFIC FLEET

STATEMENT BY SENATOR PEARCE MELBOURNE, February 28. Commenting on the “ Montreal Star’s” statement, Senator Pearce says: “At the 1909 conference the Admiralty submitted a memorandum for a Pacific fleet to which Australia and Canada were to contribute. China was to hare a unit to which New Zealand ships would be allied, though under the Admiralty’s control. The Australian fleet unit was set out, the number of ships, their capacity and type, and it was agreed by the conference that they should bo controlled, owned, and named by Australia. _ That is the scheme we are now carrying out. It is incorrect to eay that the Admiralty proposed one fleet, one control, at the 1909 conference. Moreover, there was never a hint by the Admiralty at the 1911 conference that they regarded the idea of an Australian fleet as a unit to bo owned and controlled by Australia as in any way embarrassing but as a substantial assistance,”

“MORNING POST’S” STATEMENT

COMMENT BY SENATOR PEARCE. (Received February 28, 8 p.m.) MELBOURNE, February 28. Commenting on the “Morning Post’s” statement that the Australian Navy has no official status, Senator Pearce stated that the officers are included in the Imperial Navy list, and Australian commissions are recognised in England. Senator Pearce added: “Any domestic arrangements made by us with tlio Imperial Government do not concern outside nations. Our navy forms one part of the great Imperial fleet. All details were decided on in 1911 and the agreement meets all contingencies. I cannot see any difficulties in the way such as those alluded to by the ‘Morning Post.’ ”

The "Morning Post's” naval correspondent declared that if the Australian navy id taking patrol duties in the South Pacific rather serious questions will arise. The correspondent said that it seems quite clear that the Australian navy is not under the Admiralty's orders, so that the Admiralty cannot be responsible for its actions. The Commonwealth is not a sovereign Power. Accordingly Anstralian ships will not be recognised abroad as part of the British Navy, or they will Be ignored as possessing no place in international law. If the Australian navy were refused recognition by the ships of a foreign Power it would bo deeply insulted, yet vessels not representing a sovereign Power are regarded as privateers and pirates The correspondent added that it is possible a secret arrangement has been concluded between the Governments of Britain and the Commonwealth settling these points. THE CANADIAN DEBATE. OTTAWA, February 27. In the naval debate, the Hon. Charles Murphy (who was Secretary of State for Canada in 1911) asked how could the Admiralty approve the Australian policy of a fleet unit and at the same time approve the Canadian policy of contributions to the Imperial Navy ? Ho claimed that Cabinet first decided the Canadian policy and then sought to buttress its case by the Admiralty memorandum.

“A PLEBISCITE SHOULD BE FORCED.” (Received February 28. 9.55 p.m.) OTTAWA. February 28. During the naval debate Mr Knowles declared that Australia alone was faithfully carrying out the agreement with the Admiralty made in 1910. Would Canada do the same in addition to her present contribution ? He said that the Opposition ought to force a plebiscite to get the real opinion of the country. BATTLESHIP NEW ZEALAND. HOBART, February 28. Mr Lewis Harcourt (Secretary of State for tbe Colonies) has cabled the Governor (Sir Harry Barron) that in order to avoid undue delay, the New Zealand will visit only one port en route from South Africa, the call being made for coaling only, and not for ceremony. As Lord Denman requested it, the call will be made at Melbourne. The Admiralty feels it must comply, and deeply regrets the disappointment this causes Tasmania.