CANADA’S NAVAL POLICY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16736, 18 May 1922, Page 8

CANADA’S NAVAL POLICY.

ESTIMATES BLOCKED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Reuter's Telegrams. (Received May 18, 12.55 p.m.) OTTAWA, May 17. The Government has announced that the Canadian Navy will consist of the destroyers, the Patriot and Patrician, two smaller vessels, and four trawlers, which will be evenly divided on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts as training ships for volunteer sailors on a part time basis. The cruiser Aurora and the two submarines, H. 4 and H.lo, will be paid off, pursuant to tho fxdicy of economy, and the decisions of the Washington Conference. Tho Opposition blocked tho passage of the Naval Estimates, following the announcement of the Government’s policy, which* Mr Arthur Meighen, exPremier, said fell short of Canada’s moral obligation as an integral part of the Empire. Parliament had accepted Britain’s gift of ships and had consented to their maintenance. The Premier (.Mr W. L. Mackenzie King) said the Government was carrying out Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s naval policy of a volunteer navy, available to the British Admiralty in an emergency. The lnte Government Jiad accepted the ships, which Britain would have scrapped, but which cost Canada £2,500,000 annually. The Premier consented to the adjournment of the debate.

MINISTER’S EXPLANATION.

(Per Press Association ) WELLINGTON, May 18. The Minister of Defence said he was unable to account for the reference to “ The New Zealand hint/’ contained in yesterday’s cable message from London. His statement to the correspondent ei a London newspaper had been that New Zealand had received no intimation from the Imperial Government that it desired New Zealand to increase contribution, but if such an intimation were received it would receive favourable consideration. He had explained at the same time that recently New Zealand’s naval contribution had been more than doubled. As the Dominion, in place of making a monetary contribution of £IOO,OOO. had undertaken the maintenance of the Chatham and the Philomel. This was in addition to the payments in respect to the battle cruiser, New Zealand. The London cable message received was as follow's : The cabled announcement of the attitude of the New' Zealand Minister ter of Defence on Lord Leo’s speech raises the question of initiative. Tho Admiralty, hitherto, has been respectful to the susceptibilities of tho Dominions, and it hesitates to make the first move, hoping that the Dominions will take the initiative now'. It. is considered likely that following the New Zealand hint, a memorandum will be drawn up setting out the requirements following the Washington Conference.

PAYING OFF CI FT SHIPS