Greatest Importance Attached to Wellington, July 27.
In response to inquiries the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph: Watd, sated that the British with: reference to: naval fiefence had received the attention of the New Zealand Government which had communicated a tentative expression of views regarding "hem to London.
sir Joseph Ward said that his message had made it clear that the New Zealand Government attached the greatest importance to the question of naval defence, and partleulatly to the naval base at Singapore. He declared that the views New Zealand on the latter ques tion had been expressed on previous occasions, and remained unaltered. He pointed out that New Zealant's Interest in the Singapore base was {ndieated by the provision of al contribution of £1,000,000 of which! two instalments totalling £250,000] had. already-been paid, "The hope was also expressed that no alteration in the: policy of Imperial defence would be made without consultation with the Dominions, Jana Sir Joseph Ward added that had been suggested to the Britis! Government that the matter should!
reserved for discussion at the next Imperial Conference:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.