DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 20, 22 January 1913, Page 2

DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

AN AUSTRALASIAN NAVY

NEWy ZEALAND NAVAL BOARD

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

Sydney, January 21

The ‘Sun’s’ Melbourne correspondent, from information obtained semiofficially and otherwise, confidently predicts that before the end of the year New Zealand will have received Britain’s benediction upon a new and important departure in South Pacific defence.

The Commonwealth Government lias communicated its views to the Imperial Government and to Mr Allen, suggesting that the Australian Navy should be expanded into an Australasian Navy, and that naval stations on the Pacific should be changed, cutting New Zealand out of the China station and adding her to the Australian station.

Canada should provide a Pacific fleet unit for co-operation in time of war. No doubt the Admiralty, will recommend a local fleet, and New Zealand will accept the advice. The only question is whether this advice should be given immediately <m delayed until the defence sub-confer-ence is held in London or Canada. The prevalent idea is that the New Zealand section of the Australasian Navy will consist of two third-class cruisers of the Sydney type, three destroyers of the Parramatta type, and two submarines. The cost would be £250,000. The question of administration has not been discussed, though it is agreed that a New Zealand Naval Board will be a necessity.

STATEMENT BY MR. PEARCE

“CAN BRITAIN FIND THE MEN?”

(Received 9.20 a.m.) Melbourne, January 22

The Hon. G. F. Pearce (Commonwealth Minister of Defence), in a statement regarding the Commonwealth’s suggestion of a Subsidiary Conference, says: “Of the tfhree different schemes of defence drawn up at the 1909 conference, the Australian agreement alone was carried out. If co-operation is to be ensured, it will therefore'be necessary for Canada and ■New Zealand either to carry out the schemes or propose a substitute. The Commonwealth considers it would be advantageous if New Zealand and Canada would come to an agreement on the defence of the Pacific, and if Australia were invited to send a Minister to attend the Defence Committee. We suggest a subsidiary conference either in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, or at Vancouver. The Imperial Government replied that it was impossible at present, and asked that the question be ,allowed to bp,f,eviv.ed later in the year • also, they think it is unnecessary at present to have an Australian Minister on the Defence Committee. Our policy is known and approved by the Admiralty, and can bo adjusted to meet any development in the'Canadian and New Zealand policies. Britain can build the ships required, but can she find officers and men?”

“The Australian policy differs from that of the other Dominions inasmuch as it provides for the training of officers and men to man our ships.”

THE PREMIER SILENT,

tPer Press Association.) Auckland, January 22

Mr Massey, interviewed on the subject of New Zealand’s defence policy, said ho could say nothing on the subject, and declined to officially confirm or deny the statements made.