LORD MAYOR’S BANQUET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19016, 12 November 1923, Page 7

LORD MAYOR’S BANQUET

SOME IMPORTANT SPEECHES DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 10. (Received Nov. 11, at 5.5 p.m.) A distinguished assembly, including Mr Brace, Mr Massey, Mr Mackenzie King, and the principal Ambassadors, filled the Guildhall at the Lord Mayor’s banquet. Mr Baldwin said that the decisions of ths Imperial Conference which were necessarily subject to dominion confirmation, would commend themselves to the Homo Parliament. They were gradually moving towards closer co-operation with the dominions. How much faster they were to move rested with the people of their country. Indian discussions had shown many existing disabilities not based on distinctions of colour, but due solely to complicated local economic and political considerations. The conference had drawn up a number of guiding principles regarding defence. It felt that while these were necessary they should be prepared to consider in concert with other peoples what was the possibility of a further limitation of armaments. They were justified in placing the promotion of their trade in the forefront. Their relations with all the Powers remained friendly. The situation in Central Europe was one of great anxiety. It was unthinicable that Europe should be allowed to drift to her doom while the Powers looked on with 'folded hands. The entire weight of their authority was being thrown .nto the scales in favour of the co-operation of America. Earl Cavan, referring to the question of defence, said that the War Office was in close touch with the staff officers in the dominions. It was obviously important that their training should be on similar lines. Sir S. Hoare, Secretary for Air, responding on behalf of the Air Force, said that 'the Home defence force was already considerably stronger than it was j2 months ago, and would increase in strength monthly until eventually it would be 52 squadrons strong, comprising about 600 first-line machines. Earl Beatty, responding for the Navy, said the development against submarine devices was more than in keeping with the pace of submarine development, so much so that to a Pow T er commanding the surface of the sea the submarine was not a great menace. The capital ship was a match for any ship or weapon that could bo brought against it.—A. and N.Z. Cable.