The question of our naval position in the Mediterranean has
not apparently been finally settled yet, but there is evidence that it is now receiving the close attention of, the body whose prime duty it is to consider such matters—the Committee of Imperial Defence. Friday's papers state that an unusually prolonged meeting took place on Thursday morning, the Committee being attended by the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Haldane, Lord Morley, the Secretaries of State for India, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and the Colonies, the First Lord of the Admiralty, the First Sea Lord, the President of the Board of Trade, and a number of leading sailors and soldiers. So heavy was the business that when the Committee separated at 1.30 they had not disposed of it, but met again at 3 o'clock for a further session. We may, we think, assume that when the Imperial Defence Committee have reviewed all the circum- stances the advice which they will in effect, if not in name, tender to the Government will be against abandonment. If this should necessitate a further shipbuilding programme such programme must be entered ue, n.
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