DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13456, 30 April 1914, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

ADMIRALTY'S POINT OF VIEW

THE 1909 AGREEMENT.

London, April 28. "The Times," commenting on the 1 Pacific naval question from the Admiralty's view point, says the change in the 1909 agreement is doubtless completely demonstrable. The strain of armaments competition is much greater since then, and the development of the Dominion navies makes considerable demands on the manning resources of the Navy, as the Dominions are unable at present to man them. The abstract proposition that their safety depends on Great Britain's strength in the North Sea is an unpalatable consolation when contrasted with the battleships stationed in their own waters. i The Imperial Government seems ; to bo singularly unfortunate at present in its dealings with Australia and New Zealand. A number of the most important questions,are under discussion, and on each of them constant misunderstanding and perplexities keep arising out of quibbles. "The Times" adds regarding the promised naval conference, that the promise "is not likely to make a favourable impression in the Dominions concerned."