Our Naval Policy

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 272, 20 April 1914, Page 5

Our Naval Policy

SIR JOSEPH WARD IN SYDNEY. BEPUKS TO HON". JAMES ALLEN. By Cable —Press Association —Copyright Sydney; April 17. Sir Joseph Ward, in feply to the Hon. •fames Allen, said the Minister appeared to have alluded to a speech delivered by him at the Imperial Conference, also to a speech in the House of Representatives. "At this distance, however, it is not easy to take the remarks very seriously," he said, "because in each instance where a point was intended the whole text of my remarks was left out. It must, however, be self-evident that Mr. Alien cannot expect anyone to take liia statement as to the cost of a local navy as being other than entirely misleading. Obviously the Bristol cruiser Mr. Allen talks of getting can be only a poor nucleus of a sea force. To be efficient the first Bristol must be followed by enormous expenditure at an early date." He was looking forward to the annual statement in connection with the expenditure on the Australian navy. He had never taken a. narrow view of the policy of the Australians. Their courage was magnificent, but he waa still confident that ithc wisest course for New Zealand was to pav a ' direct subsidy to the British Navy. When ho was in office the British Government agreed,to station two Bristols, three destroyers, and two submarines in New Zealand, and no intimation of any alteration was made during his time. A gTeat change had taken place since Mr. (Allen's visit to England. It would be more important if Mr. Allen, instead of spending liis time misrepresenting him, would let the people of New Zealand know what had transpired to bring about so vital a change in the fixed policy.