THE ADMIRALTY'S PLANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18861, 14 May 1923, Page 10

THE ADMIRALTY'S PLANS

CHAIN OF OIL DEPOTS. MALTA TO SINGAPORE. LONDON, May 1. Until the oil supply for the Navy is adequate at Malta, Aden, Ceylon, Rangoon, and Singapore, the Admiralty cannot guarantee the safety of the dominions in time of war. Mr B. M. Eyres-Mon-sell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, made this admission in the House of Commons when introducing the vote of credit for naval works, including provision for the establishment of a base at Singapore. He said that as Britain had now only a one-Power standard, it was more important than ever to be able, to move warships rapidly to any part of the world. The Admiralty desired to crease its oil tanks at Malta, Aden, Ceylon, Rangoon, and Singapore. This was the most important route, and until it was ready they could not guarantee the safety of the ’ dominions, or adequately protect British interests in the East. He went on to deal with, the development of the naval base at Singapore. A Labour member asked: "Against whom?”

Mr ~ Eyres-Monsell replied; “Against nobody; it-is simply an insurance.” He emphasised the view that the scheme was' strongly recommended by the Committee of Imperial Defence, and approved bv the late and present Cabinets, as well as strongly urged by the dominions. The Washington Treaty made the .work more necessary, because it precluded the development of 'Hongkong. Britain did not possess at present a single dock in British territory in the Far East capable of taking a‘capital ship.