An item reported that during the naval budget discussions in the British House of Commons Colomb (1) referred to the situation in the Pacific wondering who would rule the waves over there.(2) Bowles (3) meant that others referred to the altered balance in the North Sea. It was unknown on which term allies needed help. Minister Pretyman (4) answered that what happened in the Far East influenced the British naval policy in many ways. He denied that England intended to become the major power in the Far East or elsewhere as long as British merchant interests were protected. The British naval force in the Far East was strong enough for the needs at the moment and on longer term.
Notes
1. Sir John Charles Ready Colomb (1 May 1838-27 May 1909), British naval strategist, conservative 1politician 1886-1892 and 1895-1906. Author of Naval Intelligence and the Protection of Commerce in 1881 and Use and the application of Marine Forces in 1883.
2. The Russo-Japanese war between 8 February 1904-5 September 1905.
3. George Frederic Stewart Bowles (17 November 1877-1 January 1955), Conservative politician, naval officer and member of parliament 1906-1910.
4. Ernest George Pretyman (13 November 1860-26 November 1931), Conservative politician. Amy officer. Civil Lord of the Admiralty 1900-1903 and 1916-1919 and parliamentary and financial secretary to the admiralty 1903-1906.
