CO885-(16-18) — Page 768

PUBLIC

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lavגובוורב –

C.O.885

18 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

Fourteenth Day.

9 May 1907.

Resolution XIX., p. x.

NAVAL DEFENCE,

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110

CHAIRMAN: May I take it that this resolution is adopted?

The resolution was carried unanimously.

The Conference discussed the question of the publication of the Proceedings and decided that they should be published at as early a dato as possible, subject to any necessary revision or omissions,

NAVAL DEFENCE.

Dr. SMARTT: Would I be in order in moving this Naval Resolution after the discussion yesterday? I do not think it will take any time because it is a resolution which requires no remarks to make it accept- able to the Conference : "That this Conference, recognising the vast importance of the services rendered by the Navy to the defence of the Empire and the protection of its trade, and the paramount importance of continuing to maintain the Navy in the highest possible state of efficiency, considers it to be the duty of the Dominions beyond the Seas to make "such contribution towards the upkeep of the Navy as may be determined by their local legislatures-the contribution to take the form of a grant of nioney, the establishment of local Naval defence, or such other services, in such manner as may be decided upon after consultation with the Admiralty "and as would best accord with their varying circumstances.”

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CHAIRMAN: I may say I communicated with the First Lord of the Admiralty what occurred, and he desires me to say he leaves himself entirely in the hands of the Conference with regard to any modification or omission of the words referring to the Admiralty. Otherwise he has no objection to it.

Dr. SMARTT: My reason for moving this resolution is the fact that I think we have all been impressed with the character of the discussion and the necessity of maintaining the Navy at the fullest possible strength, and I think we all recognise the manner in which the First Lord of the Admiralty has met us, especially in his desire to meet the views of the outlying portions of the Empire to see whether it is possible that they can assist in contributing to the strength of the Navy by organising local defences of a Naval character. I feel convinced that a policy of that sort will appeal very strongly to many portions of His Majesty's Dominions beyond the Seas. I gather from the statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty that the establishment of submarines, destroyers, Naval Reserve forces, local defences, and works of that character, will be of considerable advantage to the general strength of the Navy. I do not think anybody can take exception to the resolution, because it distinctly states that it is subject to the votes of the individual Legislatures, and that though the money will only be spent after consultation with the Admiralty, it does not in any way take away from the individual Colony its rights to be heard and practically to decide the best manner in which that money can be spent. But I gather from the character of the discussion we have had in this Conference, and the nature of the reception we have received those of us who have had the advantage of discussing the matter with the First Lord of the Admiralty and his advisers--that the Admiralty will deal with the Colonies in the most sympathetic manner in this direction, the result being a movement that I consider will be of great advantage to the defence of the Empire. I think we all recognise that the time is coming when it is utterly impossible for the Colonies to expect Great Britain to bear practically the whole of this great burden of defence. The commerce of the Empire is now becoming of such an

enormous character that it is more and moro evident to the self-governing Dominions beyond the Seas of what vital importance it is to them, as well as to the heart of the Empire, that this commerce should have

the fullest and most adequate protection. Therefore, I feel strongly that it Fourteenth Day. is the duty of the Conference to come to a general resolution of this sort 9 May 1907. before we part. At this late period I do not wish to go into the whole facts, figures, and statistics, which we have gone over before, and therefore will NAVAL Defence. content myself by simply moving the resolution, which I hope will be (Dr. Smartt.) acceptable to every member of the Conference.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER: I am sorry to say, so far as Canada is concerned, we cannot agree to the resolution. We took the ground many years ago that we had enough to do in our respect in that country before committing ourselves to a general claim. The Government of Canada has done a great deal in that respect. Our action was not understood, but I was glad to see that the First Lord of the Admiralty admitted we had done much more than he was aware of. It is impossible, in my humble opinion, to have a uniform policy on this matter: the disproportion is too great between the Mother Country and the Colonies. We have too much to do otherwise; in the Mother Country, you must remember, they have no expenses to incur with regard to public works; whereas, in most of the Colonies, certainly in Canada, we have to tax ourselves to the utmost of our resources in the development of our country, and we could not contribute, or undertake to do more than we are doing in that way. For my part, if the motion were pressed to a conclusion, I should have to vote against it.

Dr. SMARTT: But the public works to which you refer are of a reproductive character which are vital to the interests of your Dominion.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER: Some of our railways have never paid a cent of interest or expenses.

Dr. SMARTT: Still, it is developing and opening up the country to an enormous extent. All the colonies are building developing_railways of a character which may not be revenue-producing for years. I thought the wording of this resolution would have specially met your views because you will find to make such a contribution towards the upkeep of the Navy it may take the form either of a grant of money, or the establishment of a local defence force or other services. I understand Canada suggested strongly the other day that some of their other services were in the nature of local defence.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER: I have said all I have to say on the subject,

CHAIRMAN: I think it is a pity to pass the resolution if it is not

unanimous.

Dr. SMARTT: I should like very much to hear the opinions of the representatives of the other portions of the Empire.

Mr. DEAKIN: I have no hesitation in entering into the discussion if desired; but if we are not going to pass the resolution is it worth while?

Dr. SMARTT: I think it is a great pity we do not pass something. We have done so much in the way of pious affirmation, that I am anxious we should do something of a practical character.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER: It can be passed if there is a majority. For my part, I must vote against it.

Sir JOSEPII WARD: To do any good we would require to be unanimous about it.