Imperial Commercial Union

Thames Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8529, 7 December 1896, Page 4

Imperial Commercial Union

' (Per Pbbss Association.) London, December 4. i The Duke of Devonshire, in his speech before the Empire Trade /League, said the Admiralty had aelec- / ted ports of defence for coaling, < refitting, and repairing stations which. T were absolutely secure, ancl where there was a likelihood of attack the resources * for resistance we're adequate. The Government, he said; held it to be the duty of the colonies to provide fixed ■ deforces- and troops, for without adequate troops the defence works were useless and delusive. He said it was not necessary to approach the Im» r perial Government uatil the League had paved the way for a ; better understanding with the colonies. The Admiralty, he added, would maintain., the supremacy at «ea and protect the colonies from, any organised . invasion, but would claim the disposal of all troops, not limiting action to the immediate vicinity when it -was found that that l particular spot was better defended [ than places at a distance. The colo- ; aies, he said, must repel the raids on commercial ports on a distinct naval basis. " Sir "W. Perceval said he hoped that the difficulty of commercial union wouldbe overcome, B<*'r" vSit T, Tupper expressed himself deI lighted at Victoria favouring the sugfor a conference to discuss the The press generally support the I holding of a conference.