Empire's Symbol of Will for Peace Praised Singapore, Feb. 14.
"The construction of "the Naval JBase in Singapore is the symbol of the Empire's powerful resolve for peace and has been marked by 0 spirit of generous ce-operation for the purpose of mutual defence." [These words form part of a telegram jrecelved to-day from the King by [Sir Shenton Thomas, the Governor lof the Straits Settlement.
The King in his telegram thanks sir Shenton Thomas for the messages conveyed to him from Singapore and Jemphasizes his appreciation of the sentiments expressed in them.
These messages assured His Majesty of the pride with which the people of Malaya. had learned of the association of their country with the King's name and of their abiding loyalty to the throne. The great Singapore graving dock was. named the "King George VI. Dock."
"The King has also telegraphed his best wishes to the many distinguish Jed representatives present at the An Inspiring Spectacle After the ceremony was over the more distinguished guests were entertained in the main hangar of the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Eagle, moored_off the Base.
Col. J, J. Lewellyn, Civil Lord of the Admiralty, was "introduced to the heads of all departments concerned in building the dock, includ ing three Indians and three' Chinese who had charge of the 4,500 workmen, No Tess than 400 people fended the reception on ILM.S Eagle.
Towards the end of the ceremony the setting sun broke through a mass of thunder clouds and a. glorious sunset spread its golden glow over the turrets, masts and funnels of the warships assembled in the Straits, As twilight fell the illuminations of all the ships in the harbour were Tit up simultaneously rocket signal. These included the three American cruisers, Memphis. Milwaukee and Trenton, whose presence at the ceremony was the occasion of widespread satisfaction fas marking the close friendship and tunity of ideals and purpose binding the (we great English-speaking. nations.
Australia was represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Stall of the Royal Australian Air Fores. Air Vice-Marshal Richard Williams.
Tu spite of the immensity.of the throng" which crowded the base.
'There was an inspiring spectacle guests wore not allowed to wan: lat the conclusion of the' ceremony st wil. Although the authorities marking the opening of the Naval have relaxed the rules of scenery Base. A salute of "seventeen guns since the fortifeations have been Was fired while eighty, naval and completed (they have even fstuod military warplanes roared overhead. Photographs of the big guns), there In a manner, probably unpre- are "still many secrets which are collected In naval history." nos less strictly preserved, Precautions were than 11,000 "people thronged the] taken to see that nothing of vital importance was viewed by the guest The smart Punjabi Police Force. together with members of the Nat Army and Air Force, guided the visitors carefully through selected
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