PROPOSED NAVAL BASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17035, 8 May 1923, Page 9

PROPOSED NAVAL BASE.

CONFLICTING OPINIONS. By Telegraph —Press Association —Copyright United Service. LONDON, May 6. The “ Weekly Dispatch ’’ canvassed the views of prominent naval men regarding the proposed base at Singapore. Admiral Sir Guy Gaunt declared : “ Either we are going to keep control e‘ our Eastern possessions and stand by out* compatriots in time ot need or we are going to shut ourselves up in England and leave the rest to chance and the good nature of possible enemies. Singapore is an ideal strategic centre. War will eventually take place in the air, but in the meanwhile the Empire must be defended by sea. Australia must be protected. The base is essential for that purpose.” Admiral Sir Edmond Slade said , j “The advent of new naval Powers iu i the East renders imperative a strong force in the East. A base at Hong Kong is not enough. Singapore is an ideal dominative point.” Admiral Cuthbert Hunter said : “We , must remember that Australia is underpopulated. Japan will be a menace in later years, and may want Singapore badly as a base one day. It should he a. base for big ships as well as a flotilla of aircraft” Admiral Sir Percy Scott declares tha‘. the- country cannot afford the money. He describes as nonsense Colonel Amerv's statements that the expenditure is necessary for the defence ot j Australia in case of Japan not remain- ! ing at peace with ns. He considers that { by using defence consisting of aero- i planes, submarines and mine-destroye ’.-s | Australia would be thoroughly able t« j protect herself, and she docs not want I the trouble of taking care of some of ! our useless battleships.. Admiral Mark Kerr advocates the e* | tablishment of a flotilla and air bas? | among the islands. He says a capital j base would be mere waste of money. Admiral Sir Cecil Lambert said that, there was no justification for a base for I capital ships for which no cash was available, especially in view of their vulnerability to submarines, which even the Admiralty had proved.