16 NOVEMBER 1912, Page 19

A Reuter's message on Monday announced that the Sultan of

Perak had proposed that the Malay States should offer a first-class armoured ship to the Admiralty, and later in the week came the news that the Government had gratefully accepted this truly Imperial gift. The cost of the ship will be nearly £2,500,000. We had ventured to express the hope that the Malay States would feel able to make a naval contribu- tion, and we are delighted at this new step in the general movement towards a common responsihility and co-operation in Imperial defence. We may now repeat our hope, which receives a fresh inspiration from the Malay States, that the Indian Navy will be revived and continue its honourable traditions.