BRITISH SEA POWER

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11661, 27 October 1923, Page 6

BRITISH SEA POWER

AS NECESSARY AS EVER EMPIRE’S SAFETY DEPENDS ON ENGLAND’S SAFETY. MR BRUCE’S CONTENTION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, October 25. Mr Stanley Bruce. Prime Minister of "Australia, in a speech at a dinner of the British Chamber of Commerce, urged tho need of developing British Empire industries. He said that the defence of the Empire had so far been secure; but this defence largely rested on its commercial status. At the present moment the position, among the commercial nations of the world _ was in the serious jeopardy, and in future it would become parlous 1 unless something was done to restore Britisn industry. There did not seem to be great scope for British industry in chaotic Europe; but there was an place for it in the great overseas Empire. FREE TRADE IDEAL. He challenged th© contention that in developing the Empire Britain would cut off her European trade. He advocated th© establishment throughout the Empire of such industries as suited the dominions. Then perhaps the time might come when the ideal of Empire free trade might he considered. Mr Bruce pressed the need for ensuring that the Empire was going to be British before they proceeded with its development-. To defend the great trade routes, Britain’s sea power must be maintained at an adequate point. Some pinned their faith to the League of N ations; but it had not reached! the point where it could ,be depended' on to save us. We must have the requisite force to defend our interests. It had been stated' that the aerial defence of Britain was more important than a base in the Pacific. He recognised the importance of Britain’s defence, hut the protection of the Pacific was equally important. He would not be accused of interference in Britain’s domestic affairs, but when the safety of the Empire depended upon the safety of the heart of the Empire, that must be his excuse for any seeming interference.