The Minister of. the Navy, Admiral Takarabe, talking recently: to your correspondent, scouted the idea zealously fostered by the Press that the base was a threat lor a challenge, direct or indirect ito Japan, He stated in effect that JGreat Britain was fully justified in fortifying Singapore if she thought this step necessary, and to a question whether, if Japan had Singa-Jpore she would not fortify it, he Jsmiled and replied significantly: "I think, any Power would, if it thought such a step necessary. JSelf-protection and self-dependence Jare very important matters in the lives of nations as of individuals. JJapan has yet a great deal of pro-Jzress to make in the direction of The reply was a clever parry to direct thrust of my question, but there can be no mistaking the Admiral's viewpoint. As a sailor, Jwith many years of active service, the sees the far-flung British pos-ions and interests in the East well-nigh defenceless. He sees Singapore a vital, central spot. As fa sailor, he cannot but see the Moed for matter-of-fact, commonsense, insurance against adverse winds and sudden squalls,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.