IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2448, 12 March 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

THE ARMY ESTIMATES. DEBATE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS. United Press Association —Copyright. LONDONdHIareh 10. The Army Estimates, debate was remarkable firstly because that, Mr.. Asquith, in his reply, hinted at the possibility at a future date of discussion the Army and Navy Estimates together, thus dealing with the whole problem of defence; and, secondly, .Mr. Balfoui notable speech in favor ol the Imperial Defence Committee’s periodical i©-ex-amination of the question. YVlnle regretting the reduction of regulars and certain really good militia and yeomanry regiments, he admitted Mr. Haldane’s earnestnese in organising the Territorials. He added,, amidst Ministerial applause: “This organisation might at some future time be absolutely invaluable for the safety of the Em-

pire.” Sir Cbas. Dilke deprecated Air. Haldane’,- comparison wilit the, German army’s strength, and added: “Such declarations have a. damaging effect on Australia. Personally he wished to see Australian co-operation. Australasia' and Canada were devoted -to peace and objected to pressure. , : Colonel Seely, Secretary for the Colonial Office, replied that the Government had received Canada’s and-. Australia’s 'most cordial acceptance of the general staff proposal. 1 the territorial army. a CORRECTED STATEMENT. (Received March 11, 10.10 pun.) ; LONDON, March 11. The corrected figures, of the present strength ,of the, territorial; army;, are 237.561.'