THE SINGAPORE BASE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17116, 23 November 1929, Page 8

THE SINGAPORE BASE

LABOR PARTY POLICY KEEN DEBATE PROMISED (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Truss Assn.) (Received Nov. 23, 2 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 22. Owing to unsatisfactory Government replies in the House of Commons during last night's discussion on the Singapore base, Blr. L. S. Amory states that the Conservatives are requesting a full dress debate.

On the motion for the adjournment, Captain A. Eden raised the question ol the Singapore base, lie complained ot the attitude adopted by the Government in arriving at its decision. Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the Straits Settlements had all generously contributed to the cost which the construction of the base would involve, yet the Government, without bothering to consult the Dominions or Colonies, had abruptly decided to change the accepted policy. The fullest information ought to be given to every part of the Empire before any such change was made.

Mr. A. Ponsonby, replying, explained that there was no change of policy, but merely a precautionary measure. It was a provisional step in view of possible eventualities, such as the decision of the five power naval conference. The Dominions and Colonies were informed, but not consulted, at the earliest possible moment. Bit-. Ponsonby added that be Would undertake that there would be the closest collaboration with the Dominions. When there was a decision in regard to polity, there would be the fullest consultation. The Government considered that the Dominions bad every right to closest consultation, now that they had achieved full nationhood. The Government did not regard this as an occasion for consultation, but there would be the fullest consultation if eventualities should prove it was necessary to make a change in policy. Blr. Amory said the reply involved the conduct of the Government, which was in a complete fog. Obviously (here must he fuller discussions later. The House then rose.