SINGAPORE BASE POLICY

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1929, Page 11

SINGAPORE BASE POLICY

LABOUR PARTY’S DECISION CONSERVATIVES LAUNCH ATTACK. RIGHTS OF THE DOMINION’S. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 10 p.m. London, Nov. 22. On a motion for the adjournment of the House of Commons Captain Eden raised the question of the Singapore base. He complained of the attitude adopted by the Government in arriving at its decision. Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements had all generously contributed to the cost which the construction of the base involved; yet the Government, without bothering to consult the Dominions or colonies, abruptly decided to change the accepted policy. The fullest information ought to be given to every part of the Empire before any such change was made. Mr. A. A. W. H. Ponsonby, in reply, explained that there was no change in policy, but merely a precautionary measure—a provisional step in view of possible eventualities such as the decision of the five-Power naval conference. The Dominions and colonies were informed but not consulted at the earliest possible moment.. Mr. Ponsonby added that he was undertaking that there would be the closest collaboration with the Dominions. When there was a decision in policy there would be the fullest consultation. The Government considered the Dominions had every right to the closest consultation now that' they had achieved full nationhood* The Government did not regard this as an occasion for consultation, but there would be the fullest consultation if eventual!lties should prove it was nceessary to make a change in policy. Mr. L. C. M. S. Amery said the reply enveloped the conduct of the Government in a complete fog. Obviously there' must be a full-dress debate.