Australia's Destiny 277 



garrisons who would hold them under a fire of 

 modern missiles. We require submarines, tor- 

 pedo boats, and torpedo-boat destroyers. We 

 have enough men for any requisite naval forces, 

 and for the naval reserves a great influx of de- 

 sirable settlers is necessary all round Australia, 

 with a view to the efficient defence of the whole 

 continent, of which at present only part is 

 occupied. 



" When we are attacked, it will not be with 

 kid gloves or after convenient notice, but it will 

 be when and where we least desire it, and with 

 remorseless fury. The very least with which we 

 can be content is such an expenditure and such 

 defence forces as will afford us reasonable guar- 

 antees of safety to our ports, our cities, and our 

 coasts." 



The significant features of the interview were 

 the omission of any reference to the British fleet 

 stationed in Australian waters and the desire for 

 a great influx of population. The presence of a 

 British fleet in Australian waters is merely a 

 matter of social interest to Australians. They 

 have been told so often that the great naval 

 battle for the protection of their continent will 

 probably be fought many thousands of miles 

 from its shores, that they have accepted the 

 statement as being probably true. They feel 

 equally sure that such a battle will be fought 

 around no quarrel of Australia's choosing. The 

 advocates who from time to time have urged the 



