SINGAPORE DECISION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16498, 2 August 1924, Page 7

SINGAPORE DECISION.

CONFIRMED BY HOUSE

(Elec. Tel. Copyright— United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, July 31. The Conservatives again attempted to reverse the Singapore decision. Colonel Amery, in the House of Commons, moved a reduction of the naval vote as a protest against the naval programme, urging a comprehensive scheme of’ replacement and the reversal of the decision as regards Singapore, the importance whereof does not lie in the Pacific, but the Indian Ocean, which it would effectually cover from outside invasion.

Mr. Kenworthy thought that the Government was absolutely right, and believed there was a Liberal democratic movement, in Japan, which would le-s-pond to the invitation of the disarmament- conference. Com. Bellairs- expressed the opinion that if we are to bear this burden of' armaments the Dominions ought to help us. Mr. Ammon said that the Premier was fully occupied with other matters, hut- as soon as possible every step would he taken to convene an international conference. Meantime they would maintain what was considered the right margin of safety, without doing anything which might be considered provocative to all the ‘Washington signatories. Nobody had made a greater reduction than. Britain. He saw no reason for a levision, and denied that- there was strong feeling in Australia, where there was a division of opinion on the matter. He pointed out that in view of the distance Australia was from Japan, it was not so easy for the latter., to wreak their will on Australia as might be thought. He said that Singapore gave Mr. MacDonald something to bargain with and failing a satisfactory decision we regretfully viil have to establish a base. Colonel AmeVy’s motion was negatived bv 228 votes to 182.