BRITISH NAVAL SUPREMACY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10525, 11 December 1912, Page 5

BRITISH NAVAL SUPREMACY.

United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received December 11, 9 a.m, Loudon, December 10.

Replying to questions Mr Asqnith said the Prime [Ministers at the Imperial Conference accepted the principle of overseas representatives on the Defence Committee. He added that the ships given by Canada would be additional to the forecast of construction already announced. Received December 11, 11 a.m. London, December 10.

Mr Asquith, replying to Mr Bonar Law, said he fully recognised the Commons’ rduty to authoritatively express heartfelt gratitude at the splendid patriotism and liberality of the overseas Dominions and possessions, but it would be respectful to defer action until the Canadian Parliament discussed Mr Borden’s proposal. Mr L. Harcourt, at the Straits’ Settlement banquet, paid a tribute to the Malay States. He said they so highly valued their somewhat loose attachment to the Empire that they [voluntarily aided Britain in the movement of pressure. } London, December 10V The Daily News says Mr Asquith’s answer shows that the Canadian ships are going to increase Britain’s burden, and if the other overses countries adopt this policy Britain is in danger of being killed by kindness. Mr Churchill’s 60 per cent, offer to Germany disappears and the vista of naval profligacy is limitless. A new naval law in Germany seems inevitable. The Defence Committee at present is purely consultative and selected by the Premier. When a Canadian Minister is added It will be a semirepresentative body outside of Parliamentary control. Melbourne, December 11. Mr Fisher is unfavourable to sending a Minister to the Imperial Defence Committee.