PACIFIC DEFENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8680, 13 March 1914, Page 5

PACIFIC DEFENCE

CONFERENCE DESIRED WHAT IS THE IMPERIAL POLICY ? By Telegraph—Press Association —Copjiigbi SYDNEY, March 12. The ‘Sydney Morning Herald,” in a leader, says:—“lf the forecast is true that the Canadian Navy question cannot be settled by tho Government for several years, then the Naval Conference which Australia and New Zealand desire to have with the British Government cannot be postponed any longer. It should take place immediately the Homo Rule crisis has ceased to claim the attention of Ministers. Canada is at liberty to take time over her decision, but Australia and New Zealand cannot consent to continue another three on four years totally in the dark as to what is the Imperial policy in tho Pacific. It has been as-, sumed that we blamo Britain for abandoning the 1909 agreement, but. owing to recent amendments in our Navy law, and tho altering of the situation in the North Sea, no one blames the Mother Country for abandoning the plan of a Pacific fleet in order to meet urgent needs in Home waters. But tho Australian fleet and New Zealand’s cruiser were built in the light of the 1909 agreement. After committing ourselves to building a fleet the light was taken away. Wo want it turned up again. If it stands for anything it is for _ the conviction on tho part of Australians and New Zealanders that a British Pacific fleet will be necessary in the near future, and that dt, is their urgent duty to lay the foundations of that fleet. But, obviously, they do not wish to provide the nucleus of a fleet in the dark.”

AUSTRALIA AND THE EMPIRE. (Received March 12, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 12. • At the banquet of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Admiral Sir George King Hall replied to the toast of “His Majesty’s Forces.” He said that the Commonwealth for many years must look to the Admiralty to provide officers and instructors. This was being done at some inconvenience to the Home services, but Australia would be of much value to the Empire in the future.