64. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the recent speech by the New Zealand Premier in which he stated that the Anglo-Japanese Alliance 1294 had not ensured the safety of Australasia; that if Great Britain were not able to perform her agreement for the protection of Imperial interests in the Pacific, and to supply New Zealand with two cruisers of the Bristol class, New Zealand would be compelled to build one herself; if he will state the terms of the agreement referred to; and whether any communication has been made to the New Zealand Government as to the Government's intentions in the matter?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)As regards the terms of the arrangements made with New Zealand I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given him last Thursday. I have seen from time to time Press reports of the speeches of New Zealand Ministers on this subject, and if the New Zealand Government decide to make further proposals before a Conference is held, the Admiralty will, of course, give them immediate attention.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government of Australia and the Government of the Dominion of Now Zealand are totally opposed to the speech already made with regard to the question of the naval defences of the Empire?