IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10512, 23 November 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. London, Novebmer 23. The Navy League demands the laying down of four large armoured units in addition to the five ships provided for in next year’s programme, in order to guarantee supremacy for 1915. 1 Mr Tennant, M.P. for Berwickshire, speaking at Holborn, said the defensive forces of the Empire were in perfect readiness, and expeditionary forces were ready to start at any moment. He added that Sir John French had stated that the British guns were not inferior to those which worked such havoc in the present war. The South African Government is conferring with the. Admiralty on naval defence. South Africa is likely to make early proposals not unworthy of her place in the Empire. The Premier, replying to Mr Fell, said the question of India offering a Dreadnought had not been raised. It is understood that the Indian authorities considered India’s present share of expenditure on Empire defence was sufficient.