SINGAPORE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18973, 26 March 1924, Page 5

SINGAPORE

MESSAGE FROM LABOUR IN THE DOMINIONS By Telegraph.—Press Association. Copyright. Received March 25, 10.45 p.m. LONDON, March 24. The Daily Herald says: The Labour Party received the following messages from Labourites in the dominions. Mr Charlton: Labour opposes Mr Bruce committing Australia to Singapore. Mr Holland: New Zealand Labour Party completely opposed to Singapore scheme. Newfoundland says: The Imperial authorities are the best judges of the necessity of the base. “We urge you to leave nothing undone which will consolidate and strengthen the Umpire’s position in the Far East.” ITS STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION CRITICISED. LONDON, March 24. In a letter to the Times, Lord Sydenham, after emphasising how strategicaly important Singapore is, declares that the Government, by its decision has deprived th e Navy of the means of acting effectively in the Pacific for the protection of Australia, New Zealand, th e Malay States, and even India, in addition to the vast volume of food supplies and other trade. It has thus determined to paralyse the right arm of Imperial defence in waters which may become vital to our territorial integrity and commerce, and have violated the solemn undertaking given by predecessors to the great Dominions, who have hitherto trusted to the sure shield of the Navy. The effect is a heavy blow to the Empire, inspired by illusive theories contradicted by all world history As Mr. Bruce plainly stated, the Government has manifested a distinct lack of Empire vision, which is dangerous in th e circumstances. QUESTION IN THE COMMONS LONDON, March 24In the House of Commons, Commander Bellairs asked, in view of the gravity of th e issue in regard to the time required to completed the Singapore project, in the c vent of the Government disarmament negotiations not succeeding, could Mr. MacDonald state the approximate time by w’hich the House could know whether the negotiations had been successful or not. Mr MacDonald replied that it was not a matter of time, but of circumstances If circumstances changed, then the loss of time would be not a loss at all. Singapore would become necessary when conditions made it necessary. Replying to Viscount Curzon, Mr. MacDonald stated that the replies of th e Dominion Governments with regard to Singapore would be published fully to-morrow.