NAVAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16738, 20 May 1922, Page 10

NAVAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

LORD LEE’S CRITICISM. MR MASSEY EXPLAINS, (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON. May 20 Sor e misapprehension appears td nave arisen regarding New Zealand’s attitude on the naval contribution question owing to misinterpretation of the cables sent to England, which were based .upon a statement by the Minister of Defence and the comment on it*which purported to represent the views of the British Admiralty. The impression has been created that New Zealand has been waiting for some declaration or request from the Admiralty before increasing her naval contribution- This is quite incorrect. The subject was thoroughly discussed at the last Imperial Conference, and it was then announced that the final settlement on contributions could not be made till after the Washington Conference. Lord Lee was not present when those discussions took place, and his speech as cabled (which started the present discussion) would appear to indicate that he was unaware of the full effect of the proceedings. The Prime Minister has thought R wise to issue a statement making the position clear, and giving the fullest information that could be given without a breach of confidence. His statement is as follows : 11 The resolution of the Imperial Conference has alreadv been made public, in which it was stated plaipjy that the matter was held over until after the Washington Confe -ence, which, by the way, has not lessened the responsibility of the British Emnire. except in so far as an understanding has been arrived at in respect of the Pacific. The territories of the Emnire cannot he properly protected without sufficient sea-power, and, though the number of capital ships which each naval power mav be possessed of is limited, there is no limit to vessels of the cruiseT class below a certain tonnage. Mv opinion is that what each dominion will contribute can only be settled at an Empire Conference, and then is subject to ratification by each of the parliaments concerned. I have stated definitely that New Zealand will do its full share, and I am quite confident that Parliament will shoulder its responsibility, hut, while this should he done as soon as possible, we must have an opportunity of readjusting our finances and recoveto a coTtam extent from the effects of the Great War in which we played no unimportant part.”