481

A.—s

recognise what Canada has been doing in regard to its defence. As I mentioned the last time we discussed this question at the Conference, I think the situation of Canada has not been properly represented. lam very glad to see Lord Tweedmouth has actually acknowledged and recognised that we have been doing a great deal, and are still doing a great deal, by taking over the Naval Statrons at Esquimault and Halifax. There was a discussion in previous years to the effect that we should contribute something directly to the British Navy. 1 may say with regard to that, there is only one mind in Canada on that question, and if it was necessary I should be able to quote the remarks made lately in an article published by Sir Charles Tupper, who is certainly one of the men best qualified to speak in Canada, upon the question. I think, perhaps, I might mention what he said in regard to that. He said : "It is known that from " the outset I have felt the interests of Canada and the true interests of " the Empire to be opposed to the demand for Colonial contributions to " the Imperial Navy," and " I maintain that Canada has discharged that " duty in the manner most conducive to Imperial interests." So it shows that both sides of politics in Canada agree with the policy which has been going on for some years there. He adds, also, in that article, that " Canada " protects her fisheries by her own cruisers, and when the Imperial " Government expressed a wish to be relieved of the expense of maintaining " the strategic points at the harbours of Halifax and Esquimalt the Canadian " Government at once relieved them of that large expenditure, amounting "to 185,000/. per annum." Negotiations are now going on for taking over the Naval stations there. I do not know exactly what will be the amount by which the Admiralty will be relieved, but I think it is a somewhat large amount. Since the matter has been brought before this Conference I may say that Parliament has voted a large sum of money for the purpose of purchasing another cruiser and putting that cruiser on the Pacific coast for the protection of our fisheries. We are very glad to see that Lord Tweedmouth has recognised that in this matter it should be left almost entirely to the Colonies. I may say, in conclusion, that we will be very glad to work in co-operation with the Imperial authorities, and under the advice of an Imperial officer, so far as it is consistent with self-government. Sir ROBERT BOND : I have nothing to add to what I have already said in the matter. Sir WILLIAM LYNE : I would like to ask Lord Tweedmouth a question in connection with the Australian proposals. It is not intended, I presume, to remove the present squadron, or any large proportion of that squadron, until, if we can make a new arrangement, our coastal defence is fairly complete. Lord TWEEDMOUTH : There is no intention of moving the squadron as it at present exists until a new arrangement is arrived at. I think the discussion that has taken place here to-day shows very clearly what was said by Mr. Moor, that it is impossible to come to any final decision with regard to these proposals we have been talking about, and on which, I think, we are very largely agreed, until reference is actually made to the Parliaments of the various Colonies, because they must decide in the first instance as to whether they will take the.line of going on with the subsidy, or supplement the subsidy by certain local defence arrangements, or adopt a system of local defence instead of the subsidy altogether.

Thirteenth Day. 8 May 1907.

Naval Defence. (Mr. Brodeur.)

62—A. 5.