DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 90, 11 December 1912, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

THE GERMAN NAVY

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(.United Press Association.) Melbourne, December 10

An Admiralty memorandum said the development of the German fleet during the last fifteen years was the most striking feature of the mivrnl situation. The development was authorised to give successive legislation enactments covering until 1920. ... I The proposed increase in the Navy was shown iu the Admiralty ramma an-l dnm as follows: —

M on 25,000 101,500 Cost £6,000,000 £23,000,000 The number of battleships and battle cruisers of the Dreadnought c ars owned by Britain and the other European Powers will be as follows-

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S VIEWS. Fremantle, December 10. Sir J. G. Ward, interiewed aboard the Mongolia, said Canada’s offer was good on sentimental grounds. Thoj condition that they should have representation on the Imperial Defence Council was the natural corollary to such an offer. If the Dominions were going to take a fair share of tne defence they should have a scat on the Council. The overseas representatives could not expect to exercise a very powerful influence, as the population of the Dominions was only hfteen millions, compared with fortylive millions in the Did Country. V\ ituin a quarter of a century, however, the Dominions would more than make up the deficiency, and naturally would expect much bigger representation, provided they were shouldering their fair share of the Imperial burdens.

THE MOTHERLAND’S CONCESSION. Melbourne, December 10. The Argus says that memorable in the history of the Empire will lie the scene that occurred in the Canadian House of Commons, when the Premier (Mr Borden) declared the naval policy of the country. The policy marks an important forward step towards closer co-operation of the Motherland and the Dominions in Imperial defence. Although Canada’s immediate policy differs from Australia’s in form, it is, adds the Argus, essentially one in spirit. More notable from an Imperial standpoint than Canada’s generous offer is the Motherland’s concession oi the principle that such help must mean an ultimate partnership, determining the foreign policy of the Empire. Sooner or later the fifteen million white British subjects of the outer Empire will have a proportionate voice in regulating the international rela tions and external defence arrangements of the Empire. The Argus suggests that Mr Pearce (Minister for Defence, who represented Australia at the last Defence Conference) is a suitable representative of Australia in the Defence Council.

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION. (Received 11, 9.25 a.m.) Sydney, December 11. Replying to' questions, Mr. Asquith, Prime Minister, at the Imperial Conference, accepted the principle of the Overseas representatives on the Reference Committee, and added that the ships given by Canada would be additional to the forecast of the construction scheme already announced. (Received 11, 10.30 a.m.) Melbourne, December 11. Mr. Fisher is not favourable to sending a Minister to London to represent the Commonwealth on the Imperial Defence Committee. THE COMMONS’ DUTY. (Received 10.45 a.m.) London, December 10. Mr Asquith replying to Mr Bonar Law said he fully recognised it was the Commons’ duty to authoritatively express its 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 proposals. Mr 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.

THE ‘ DAILY NEWS’ ’ OPINION. (Received 11, 10.30 a.m.) London, December 10. > The ‘Daily News’ states that Mr. Asquith’s answer shows that the Canadian ships are going to increase Britain’s burden. If the,other Overseas Dominions adopt this policy, Britain will bo in danger of being killed by kindness. Mr. Winston Churchill’s 60 per cent, offer compared to Germany in a vista of naval profligacy, which was limitless. A new naval law in Germany seems inevitable. The Defence Committee at present will be purely consultative, and will be selected by the Premier, when, with the Canadian Minister added, it will be a semi-representative body outside Parliamei ita ry control. Replying to the toast of “The Guest,” Mr. Winston Churchill said the Admiralty were offering the Pioneer as a free gift, together with some gunnery, and would tender a naval depot.

1908 1920 Battleships (excluding coast defence vessels 9 41 Large cruisers 0 20 Small cruisers 28 *4* Torpedo boats 113 ri i Submarines d 72

Britain Other Powers 1912 18 19 1913 24 21 1914 31 33 1915 35 51