THE SINGAPORE BASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18857, 9 May 1923, Page 7

THE SINGAPORE BASE

OPINIONS OF NAVAL EXPERTS. DIVERSE VIEWS EXPRESSED. Proas Association —By Telegraph—Copyright ' LONDON, May 6. Tho Weekly Dispatch has canvassed the views of prominent naval men regarding the proposed base at Singapore. Bear-Admiral Sir Guy Gaunt declared that either we were going to keep control of our Eastern possessions and stand by our compatriots in'time of need or wc were going to shut ourselves up in England and leave the rest to chance and the good nature of our possible enemies. Singapore was an ideal strategic centre. War would eventually take place in the air, but meanwhile the Empire must-be defended by sea. Australia must be protected, and a base was essential for that purpose. Admiral Sir Edward Slade said that the advent of new naval Powers in the East rendered imperative a strong force in the East. A base at Hongkong was not enough. Singapore was an ideal dominating point. Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Hunter said wc had to remember that Australia was under-populated. Japan would be a menace in later years, and night want Singapore badly as a base one day. It should bo a base for big ships as well as for a flotilla of aircraft.

Admiral Sir Percy Scott declared that the country could net afford the money. He described as nonsense Mr Am cry's statement that the expenditure was necessary for the defence of Australia in case of Japan not remaining at peace with us. He considered that by using a defence consisting of aeroplanes, submarines, mines, and destroyers Australia would be thoroughly able to protect herself. She did not want tho •trouble of taking care of some of Britain’s useless battleships Admiral of the Fleet Lord Kerr advocated tho establishment of a flotilla and air base among tho islands. He said that a capital base would be a mere waste of money. Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil Lambert , said there was no justification for a base for capital ships for which no cash was in view. Their vulnerability to submarines had been proved.—A. and N.Z. Oable. THE POOLING PROPOSAL. ITS BEARING ON SINGAPORE. . LONDON, April 25. The question of pooling the naval resources of the Empire has apparently been precipitated by the costly scheme for Singapore, which economists in high quarters rigorously oppose, declaring that it is undisguisedly designed to protect Australia against a Japanese attack, which strategists regard as unthinkable as long as Singapore remains to harass communication. Tho British Navy alone would at present bear tho first shock of a Pacific invasion, tho success or failure of which would depend on the inviolability of Singapore. The Sydney Sun- learns that the greatest dimoulty facing the Admiralty is that of placing its views before the Australian Government without offence. It realises that it is a delicate matter to deal with politicians who have a reputation of hypersensitiveness ; nevertheless, it is thought that Australians will not care to stand idly by and watch Britain doing their police work without contributing to the cost. In the event of the adoption of the Imperial navy scheme, the dominions’ personnel will bo solely employed and trained in home waters. Its advocates say that the scheme will mark a definite step toward the objective of a commonwealth of tho British nations.

Sir Percy Scott informed the Sydney Sun that if true the proposal comes as a surprise. “In my time the Admiralty,” he said, “never thought much about the future. What all the dominions, and particularlv Australia, have got to have is adequate air defence.’’ Ho nesitated to say whether .ivoyal Air Force detachments, co-operating as suggested with the Imperial Navy, would suffice, and he wag not prepared further to discuss the matter until he was more completely informed. On the completeness of the details the success of any naval venture depended.