IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2586, 21 August 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

THE, DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

NEWSPAPER COMMENTS

United Press Association—Copyright LONDON, August 19.

The “ Times ” emphasises that rtnte- •• merits heretofore, or which may hereafter he marie, on unofficial atuhority regarding the results of the Dofer.ee Conference, must bo joaVdered with ■ due reserve, and cannot be profitably made the subject of detailed comment.

The “ Daily Telegraph, V yvitheot mentioning Sir Joseph Ward’s alleged arrangement with the Admiralty, an apparently inspired account, of which was circulated thro ig'n Rentoi’s agency, remarks -that Austriada and Canada are definitely committed to the creation of local fleets.

Other newspapers are silent, evidently awaiting authorative official informotion.

RESULTS OF THE CONFERENCE

TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY

(Received August 20, 10.5 -p.m.)

The last plenary meeting of the'Defence Conference was. held yesterday. .Mr. Asquith congratulated the delegates on the result of their work. Other Cabinet Ministers were present. Hie oversea dedegates attended a meeting of the Committee of Imperial Defence. (Received August 20, 10.45 p.m.) It is stated now that it has been arranged that the results of the Defence Conference are to be announced in. Parliament at an early date.

[The balance of sea-power in. the Pacific was one of the questions that were greatly impressed on the public mind by the visit to these waters of the United States fleet. Relying on kinship with the Americans, and the alliance with' Japan, Britain- reduced her naval power in the Pacific. But Australia, with an very keen eye for color, looked askance at Japan, and welcomed the American fleet as“representing the white arm in the Pacific. No doubt this leaven is still at work. ]