THE SINGAPORE BASE

Otago Witness, Issue 3609, 15 May 1923, Page 17

THE SINGAPORE BASE

OPINIONS OF NAVAL EXPERTS. DIVERSE VIEWS EXPRESSED. dONDON, May 6. The Weekly Dispatch has canvassed the views of prominent naval men regarding the proposed base at Singapore. Rear-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 we 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 pitrtected, and a base was essential lor 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 idea! dominating point. Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Hunter said we had to remember that Australia was underpopulated. Japan weald be a menace in later years, and might want Singapore badly as a base one day. It should be a base for big ships as well a 3 for a flotilla of aircraft. Admiral Sir Percy Scott declared that the country could not afford the money, lie described as nonsense Mr Amery'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 the trouble of taking care of some of Britain’s useless battleships. Admiral of the Fleet Lord Kerr advocated the establishment of a flotilla and air base among the. 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. THE POOLING PROPOSAL. 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 undisguisodly designed to protect Australia against a Japanese attack, which strategists regaru as unthinkable as long as Singapore remains to harass communication. Tho British Navy alone would at present bear the first shock of a Pacific invasion, tho success or failure of which would depend on the inviolability of Singapore.