IMPERIAL DEFENCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17175, 27 October 1926, Page 13

IMPERIAL DEFENCE

THE THREE FORCES

CONFERENCE'S REVIEW SITUATION IN INDIA I [Eke. Tel. Copyright-United Press Aesn.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received October 27, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 2(3. As was the case in 1923, . the Imperial Conference delegates at today's sitting dealing with Imperial defence were simply made conversant with the latest developments in the problems of defence, naval, military, ami aerial.

For some days, and probably weeks, the .Dominion delegates will use the intervals between the conference sittings to pa}' visits to executive heads of several departments, devoting a considerable portion of the time to naval matters at the Admiralty. After these investigation:-! have been completed the main problems of defence Mill be taken up again at a plenary session, when the defence discussions will lie concluded.

The Imperial Government intimates that a general announcement will be made publicly. «

Lord Birkenhead contributed a weighty statement at to-day's session relating to India's frontier problems, inferring specially to the delicate position on the Afghan frontier, resulting from Bolshevik propaganda.

THE SINGAPORE BASE. It- is understood that the Singapore base loomed fairly prominently in to-day's discussions, though not as a primary issue in its relation to Australia and New Zealand. Stress was rather laid on the new circumstances arising from the transference of the centre of naval strategy from the .North Sea to the Pacific' It is understood in this connection that reference was made to the prominent part Australia was taking in providing an adjunct to the British fleet in southern waters. Nothing was said to justify the misgivings which at. various times have been expressed as to tin; ultimate completion of the Singapore naval base. It is gathered thai a hint was droppod that Empire contributions towards cost of the work, spread over a decade, would be welcomed to supplement the Federated Malay States' gift of £2,000,00, which stiil stands. Both Mr. Bruce and Mv. Coates may be expected later to give full approval to the Singapore base scheme. When the question of financial contribution arises, Mr. Bruce Avill doubtless point out the changed circumstances since 1923, because when the MacDonald .Ministry definitely announced the abandonment of the project, Australia adopted the alternative of considerably strengthening her own fleet, involving a substantial financial burden. Australia's ability to contribute towards Singapore will be presented to the conference in that light.

Mr. Coates is expected to intimate New Zealand's willingness to make an increased contribution towards Imperial defence within her population's capacity to pay. He will probably ' intimate a willingness to leave the conference to decide the manner in which the increased contribution could, best be utilised.