MORE WARSHIPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17382, 10 November 1924, Page 8

MORE WARSHIPS.

BRITAIN'S NEW POLICY. WILL SINGAPORE BASE BE PROCEEDED WITH ? fey Telegraph. —Press Association.—Copyright.—Sydney “Sun” Cable. (deceived November 10, 0.10 a.m.) LONDON, November 0. The “Observer” anticipates that the Conservatives will inaugurate a vigorous naval ship-building policy, and will replace obsolete ships, restoring the three cruisers which the I.ahour Government cancelled. It recalls that the Admiralty pointed out a year ago that fifty-two cruisers must be built by 192.3. to keep abreast of foreign development. Britain also is falling behind in destroyer strength. When the results of the present experimental destroyers are known, a big programme is likely. The Fleet also wants up-to-date aircraft carriers. The “ Observer.” discussing Mr L. C. M. S. Amery’s appointment as Colonial Secretary, says: “No man who ever filled the position has brought more knowledge to it. His whole life for a quarter of a century has been one of constant preparation. Therefore. Mr Amery will he welcomed by the Dominions When the results of the Imperial Conference regarding preference are restored, we hope he will put further controversy aside and set himself out to promote Imperial development, communications, transport and co-operation by every practical means. The fiscal issue cannot usefully be raised during this Parliament, but creative work can he done without it. “The Singapore Base is a difficult question to a new Government, owing to Japanese misgivings. Singapore is regarded by the Japanese as a move in the opposite direction to the Anglo-Japanese alliance which the Washington Conference scrapped. Nothing is to be gained by shutting our eyes. Japanese feeling has been intensified by the recollection that Japan has been a loyal friend to Britain for twenty years Japanese confidence is an essential element in an understanding between naval Powers. Canada's nearness to America, anti Australia’s nearness to Japan create conflicting views on British naval policy in the Pacific. At the Imperial Conference in 1921. before the Washington Conference, Canada opposed a continuance of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, but Australia favoured it. Singapore is a far-reaching and important problem, ft is expected that the Government will not make a hasty decision.