Supply of Oil.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 49, 19 June 1914, Page 5

Supply of Oil.

FOR NAVAL USES. THE BRITISH MOVEMENT. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] London, June 18. In the House of Commons Mr Churchill stated that Trinidad and Egypt were unable to meet the naval demands for oil, and it would be many years before the Scottish shale production would be sufficient. When he went fo the Admiralty, oil approximately cost the same as coal, but prices had since almost doubled owing to artificial inflation. The Admiralty did not intend to rely on Persian oil in an emergency. Only half the supply would be taken from there. The oil would be brought by the Cape route, which was easily defended, and would save canal dues. The cost of the investment would be met with 1-J millions diverted from the old sinking fund of 1912 and £750.000 diverted from 1913.

Sir Edward Grey, replying to criticisms, said the oil properties were situated in the neutral zone, outside the area of settled control. In the worst contingency, two British brigades would be sufficient to protect the 150 miles of pipe lines to the coast. It Mould be better if a Persian force, under British officers, were used than an Indian army. Moreover, the natives would be pecuniarily interested themselves in protecting the pipes. Captain Prettyman, formerly Civil Lord and Secretary;to the Admiralty, cordially supported the scheme. Mr Churchill pointed out that Captain Prettyman had suggested this policy eleven years ago. Mr MaejDonald supported it, and hoped the Government would give Sir Marcus Samuel and the Oil Trust no mercy.

The motion was adopted by 254 to 18."

In the House of Commons, Mr Churchill moved for a grant of £2,000,000 out of the consolidated funds to acquire control of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. He stated that the concession covered an area as large as France and Germany. The bored wells alone would suffice for the Navy's needs for many years. The arrangement was necessary to prevent the company being swallowed by the Shell Transport Company, also to enable the Government to control the price of coal.

THE TIMES' VIEWS.

Times and Sydney Sun See vices. (Received 6 .p.m.) London, June 18. The Times in a leader on Persia says we want the navy to have oil, but we do not want to run the risk of a fresh embroilment with the middle cast, and will be much surprised if Britain has not reason to regret this impetuous aud careless undertaking.