“AN ABOMINABLE LIE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19532, 13 March 1926, Page 7

“AN ABOMINABLE LIE”

BRITAIN’S ENTRY ON BEHALF OF BELGIUM COMMUNIST’S OUTBURST ON NAVY ESTIMATES "WASTEFUL AND FUTILE” By Telegraph—Per Press Assn. —Copyright. Received March 12, 10.40 p.m. LONDON, March 11. In the House of Commons, Mr Scrymgeour moved that the House regards the expenditure on the Navy as wasteful and futile. The motion was negatived by 196 to 113. The House then went into committee on the Navy Estimates, whereupon Mr George Lansbury moved to reduce the vote by 100,000 men, incidentally expressing the hope that the rule for the next war would be vid men first, when it was certain there would be no war. He proceeded to read a so-called "peace letter,” wherein the signatories pledged themselves to take no part in the next war. Viscountcss Astor interjected: Not even class war! There were angry protests when Mr Lansbury added: "It is an abominable lie to say Britain entered the Great War on behalf of Belgium. ’ ’ Mr Bridgeman said the speech was provocative and the arguments contemptible. The motion was negatived bv 186 to 19. SINGAPORE BASE NAVAL ECONOMIES DISCUSSED DOMINIONS’ CONTRIBUTIONS Received March 12. 10.40 p.m. LONDON, March 11. In the House of Commons the Right Hon. W. C. Bridgeman explained that work connected with the floating dock and base at Singapore cost £225.000 for the present year, but only £95,000 will be paid by Britain, because the remainder is derivable from the unexpended portion of Hong Kong’s £250,000 gift. As construction advanced, it would then be possible to see to what extent the graving dock idea should be carried on, whereupon the Dominions would be consulted at the forthcoming Imperial Conference. After enumerating the Dominions’ naval contributions, Air Bridgeman said Britain was grateful therefore, hut would gladly welcome any increase. He generally defended the economies being made, which were in directions where they were readily replaceable in the event of a crisis.