IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12893, 9 September 1910, Page 4

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

LORD ISLINGTON THEREON. [V sited Pmss Association.] Wellington, Sept. 8. Speaking at a Navy League meeting to-night tho Governor (Lord Islington) said: "Modern development has changed and is changing the whole scope and necessity of tho Navy. It can be no longer be regarded as a British Navy in the old-fashioned, local, and national sense. To be effective it must be an Imperial Navy prepared and organised for any Imperial necessity. Within quite recent times Eolf-goveni-ing dominions have realised this, and New Zealand leading the way, has undertaken -her further responsibility. by contributing to its fighting efficiency. Canada and Australia are about to establish navies of their own. Providing the conceptions of tho Navy League arc carried out, theso additions will prove of the utmost value to the Imperial Navy. What is that conception? That all these new establishments and arrangements should bo prepared to take action in time of war under concentrated control. By that means alone can strategic preparation bo mad© and the whole force of the Navy put to full effect. lam hopeful that ere long a machinery of control may be- devised in such a way as to bo Imperial in character,- so that each contributing Dominion will have ' its full and adequate representation.: There are many difficulties to be overcome ; but I am sure they are not unsurmountable. Take two great naval powers to-day — the United States and Germany. The United States were formerly 48 States ; Germany was formerly 26 States. For naval and military purposes they have- unified thair organisation. Why should not the British do the same? It is to the paramount interests of each dominion that this should be brotiglit about, because union is strength, Whilst isolated action is only an incehtivo to court disaster." : y