Defence of the Empire.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 22, Issue 28, 11 April 1911, Page 7

Defence of the Empire.

SOUTH AFRICA AND THE NAVY. Cape Town, April 9. In the Assembly ,Mr Selburn contended thatthe Union’s cont ibution to the Imperial Navy should be based upon the volume of seaborne traffic.

Mr Merriman declared that tinpot navies were a source of weakness in war and a danger in pence. He suggested the abolition of Britain’s preference, rnd the application of the extra revenue to the support of the British Navy. The quasi ion of the Declaration of London was most abstruse, and could safely be left to the Imperial Government. Mr dagger said the dominions should be represented separately from Britain upon a Suprera.-Prize Court. Mr Smuts’ reply was non-committal. Ho said the naval con'ribntion would nJ be discussed at the Imperial Conference;