THE BRITISH NAVY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 316, 4 July 1912, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY

DEBATE IN THE LORDS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 3, 11.20 p.m. London, July 3. The House of Lords was crowded during the discussion on the withdrawal of warships from the Mediterranean. Lord Selborne declared that he had no desire to head a party of attack, but Great Britain's prestige would diminish if she ceased to have a squadron in the Mediterranean, which was part of the inner guard of the Empire. If it was necessary to withdraw it, then Vie navy would be short of modern battleships. There was no such thing as local defence. If the enemy's ships were destroyed in the Mediterranean, Australia and New Zealand would be safe. Even tha British cruisers now remaining in the Mediterranean were unable to make headway against an enemy which it was possible might invade Egypt. Britain ought not to depend upon an ally. The three essentials were co-operation between the Dominions and the Mother Country, increased garrisons at Malta end Gibraltar, and a squadron of battleships in the Mediterranean. Lord Crewe, replying, abstained from making any statement of policy or anticipating Mr. Winston Churchill's. It was inaccurate to say that the Mediterranean was being evacuated. Lord Lamington viewed with profound misgivings the desire shown to safeguard the country by alliances. Lord Lansdowne. though he hesitated td call Mr. Churchill's policy evacuation, ■aid that it came near to it. What was taking place amounted to a confession that the two-Power standard with a margin was being abandoned. The Government's policy struck a blow at Britain's reputation as a great naval Power.