42153.
26
No. 5.
The GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF AUSTRALIA to the SECRETARY
(Confidential.)
OF STATE.
(Received November 27, 1905.)
Governor-General's Office, SIR,
Melbourne, October 23, 1905. I HAVE the honour to forward herewith a copy of a confidential despatch, with its enclosures, which has been addressed to me by my Prime Minister, on the subject of the strength of the Australian Naval Squadron.
I have, &c.,
27
I would be glad if the Director of the Naval Forces would be so good as
to supply me with the information on the matters indicated hereunder :
1. Is the Agreement now complied with?
2. Names and character of the ships of war now on the station.
3. Is it proposed to vary the Agreement? If so, how?
4. Contrast the fighting strength of the ships under any new proposal
with the ships of war according to the Naval Agreement Act.
28th September 1905.
T. PLAYFORD,
Minister for Defence.
NORTHCOTE,
Governor-General.
MINUTE PAPER.
Enclosure in No. 5.
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.
(Confidential.-P.M. 05/3946.)
MY LORD,
Prime Minister, Melbourne,
October 20, 1905. WITH reference to the confidential despatch of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated 21st December 1904, and subsequent communications on the subject of an increase to the Australian Naval Squadron, I have the honour to request that your Excellency will be so good as to forward, for the consideration of the Admiralty, the enclosed copies of a memorandum addressed by my colleague, the Minister of State for Defence, to the Director of the Naval Forces, and his reply thereto.
}}
2. It will be observed that by the proposed substitution of the "Powerful for the "Euryalus" the fighting strength of the squadron is, in the opinion of Captain Creswell, considerably diminished, and in that respect the terms of the original agreement are not being complied with.
3. As previously stated this Government welcomes the proposals of the Admiralty to increase the naval force in these waters, but it does not appear from the enclosed memorandum that the promises made in this regard are being fulfilled, and I shall be glad if your Excellency will invite the Admiralty to take such steps as are necessary to preserve the strength of the squadron at the level provided for in the Naval Agreement.
His Excellency
The Governor-General.
(Confidential.)
I have, &c.,
ALFRED DEAKIN.
MEMORANDUM for Captain W. R. CRESWELL, C.M.G., Director of
Naval Forces.
Re Naval Agreement Act.
Article I. of Naval Agreement Act provides :—
"The Naval Forces on the Australian Station shall consist of not less than the under-mentioned sea-going ships of war, all of which shall be from time to time throughout the terms of this Agreement of modern type, except those used as drill ships :-
1 armoured cruiser (1st-class),
2 2nd-class cruisers,
4 3rd-class cruisers, 4 sloops,
and of a Royal Naval Reserve consisting of 25 officers and 700 seamen and stokers."
(Confidential.)--05/9683.
1. No. One 2nd-class cruiser only is on the station. The "Encounter has not so far arrived.
"
Regarding the Royal Naval Reserve, Australia's share is 20 officers and 560 seamen and stokers. At the close of July, five officers and 233 men had been enrolled. The Admiral's secretary stated that Reserves were being enrolled as fast as men presented themselves and could be drilled.
He further intimated that vacancies were required for Class (a) men under Article VII. of the Agreement, viz., "those who have served for three years on board one of H.M. Ships."
2. Ships now on the station :-
Euryalus
T
'Challenger'
"
Phoebe
"Katoomba "Mildura " "Wallaroo
Psyche
"
Prometheus
14
"
4
Pegasus Torch'
1st-class armoured cruiser.
2nd-class cruiser.
3rd-class
12
""
17
13
"
17
**
"
21
Sloop.
3. Yes; it was purposed to vary the Agreement as regards ships only, as follows:-
Naval Agreement Act.
One 1st-class armoured cruiser. Two 2nd-class cruisers. Four 3rd-class cruisers. Four sloops.
One ship to be kept in reserve,
and three partly manned and used as drill ships.
Proposal.
One 1st-class armoured cruiser. Three 2nd-class cruisers.
Five 3rd-class cruisers.
All in full commission, except three
of the 3rd-class cruisers, which
will be in reserve, and used as drill ships.
4. The fighting strength of the ships under this proposed variation of the
Agreement is increased.
But I understand that the following are to compose the squadron :-
*
'Powerful"
Challenger
"
"Encounter
"Cambrian
Psyche "Prometheus
16
Pegasus 'Pioneer'
Pyramus"
1st-class protected cruiser.
2nd class protected cruiser.
3rd-class
"
15
59
31
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"
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"
"
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"
17
"
"
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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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Reference :-
C.O-885
17 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
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