SINGAPORE BASE.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18878, 23 February 1933, Page 7

SINGAPORE BASE.

NEED FOR URGENCY. EFFECT OF EASTERN CRISIS. EMBARGO ON AMMUNITION. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Feb. 23, 2 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 22. In the House of Commons to-day, the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Bolton Eyres-Monseil, replying to a question by Mr G. Lambert (Liberal — Devon) said the Jackson contract for the Singapore base was due for completition by December 30. Together with the floating dock the undertaking would oost £6,114,000. Mr F. Seymour Cooks (Labour — Notts) asked, in view of the situation in the Far East whether the Government would press on the work as rapidly as possible. The Minister made no reply. Mr George Lansbury, Leader of the Opposition, in asking for the fixing of the date for the debate on the Far Eastern situation said: “The press reports many sales of old ships to Japan for the production of shot and shells. We are anxious that this shall not continue even for another three days." Mr Ramsay MacDonald replied that the Government was doing its utmost to see if an international arms embargo agreement was attainable. Sir Percy Harris (Liberal —Bethnal Green): “Meanwhile, could not the Government give a lead to our own nationals not to aocept ammunition orders." Mr Mao Donald replied: Tho Government vle\v is that the matter must be settled as quickly as possible, but by international agreement.