THREAT TO RESIGN

Southland Times, Issue 19172, 16 February 1924, Page 5

THREAT TO RESIGN

BEATTY AND SINGAPORE. ASSURANCES WANTED. THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE. (Sun Cable). LONDON, February 14. (Received February 15, 9 p.m.) Admiral Beatty and his colleagues, believing that the construction of a naval base at Singapore is vital to the safety of the Empire, have decided to resign unless the Government admits that Parliament the Admiralty’s advice in the event of the abandonment of the scheme, thereby relieving them of responsibility. They are also urging the Government to revise arrangements for the control of the Navy’s air force, which is impracticable. ‘THE KEY TO THE PACIFIC.” COLONEL AMERY’S VIEWS. (Reuter Telegram.) LONDON, February 14. ( Received February 15, 9.45 p.m.) Colonel S. C. Amery, in the course of a lecture at the Colonial Institute on naval defence in the Pacific, regretted that the Government had stopped the present works and commitments at Singapore. However, he was glad to hear that the question was being carefully considered and that decisions would not be taken without consultation with the dominion affected. He claimed that battleships would always remain the kernel of the great fleets of the future. The British fleet would ultimately become entirely oil burning, necessitating a chain of oil reserves which Was a great reason for developing Singapore. “LET THE MATTER DROP.” ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT. LONDON, February 14. As the result of Mr Armour’s reply in the House of Commons, the impression is gaining ground that the Cabinet purposes delaying consideration of the Singapore Base question, knowing that tenure of office is not likely to be long. They will endeavour simply to let the matter drop. Among the Conservatives, however, there is a strong movement to raise a debate on the question if possible.