DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 19, 21 January 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

SOUTH AFRICA AND THE

EMPIRE

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright (United Press Association.)

Johannesburg, January 20

Mr. Lionel Phillips, the well-known* Rand magnate, speaking at the Unionist Chib, said that while South Africa should he put first in the internal, ir. was quite different to put her first in external affairs. Applying this to the Empire, it would be very serious treachery to raise a question nowadays, and he did not believe it would be raised without an idea of dividing the people.

PROPOSED NAVAL CONFERENCE

(Per Press Association.)

London, January 20

‘The Times’ says that Sir W. Laurier’s naval proposals are not unpopular. Canada approves them as a sequel rather than as an alternative to Mr. Borden’s immediate help. Doubtless Mr. Allen, whose arrival in London will be welcomed, will approve cf Mr. Fisher’s desire for a conference at Vancouver. The need for a conference will be greatly reinforced by the fact that all members of the last Defence Conference, except Australia, have tacitly departed from the principles laid down. The Admiralty is rightly preoccupied by immediate needs, but it will endanger its reputation in the Dominions if it concentrates its attention exclusively on the circumstances of the moment and European affairs. The shortcomings of Mr. Churchill’s predecessor compelled them to include the New Zealand *n the Navy’s European strength. It is now obvious that a sixth ship must be laid down to replace her.