HC Deb 15 July 1914 vol 64 cc1894-5
17. Mr. HUNT

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as under the 1909 agreement with New Zealand the British Government agreed that the New Zealand "Dreadnought" should be the flagship of a fleet unit in far Eastern waters, and that a small force of cruisers and auxiliary craft would be stationed in New Zealand waters, he can say why the Government have not carried out either of their undertakings; is he aware that both Australia and New Zealand refuse to depend on the Japanese Navy for their defence; and what he proposes to do to keep faith with these two great Dominions?

18. Mr. HUNT

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as under the naval agreement with Australia of 1909, Australia was to establish a fleet unit consisting of one "Dreadnought" cruiser, three protected cruisers, six destroyers, and three submarines, and that this fleet unit was to co-operate with a fleet unit of the Royal Navy to be stationed in Chinese and East Indian waters with the New Zealand "Dreadnought" as flagship, he can say why the British Admiralty has failed to carry out their part of the agreement, and consequently left the Australian Navy completely isolated from any association with the British Fleet; and is he aware that the Australians are dissatisfied with the present condition of affairs?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I made a very full statement on this subject in introducing the Estimates, and I have since stated in reply to questions that it is not possible to deal with issues of such importance at Question time.

Mr. HUNT

Is it not a fact that unless the Government does fulfil all its agreements with Australia and New Zealand in matters of naval defence the inhabitants will be driven to seek protection from another white race?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot admit that we have failed to keep our agreements, nor can I admit that if there were any difference of opinion between us and the Australian Commonwealth on the subject of naval defence, that would in any way alter their view of their relations with this country.

Mr. HUNT

Does the right hen. Gentleman dispute the fact that one of the Australian senators did complain that the British Government broke their agreement?