Show PAR EASTERN GIBRALTAR great britain is now engaged in building a new gibraltar in southern asia at singapore in the straits settlements tle ments which will be the london news says a menace to germany a barrier to france aad a death warrant to russian the first step in this great undertaking has been tho acquisition by the straits settlements government of the docks belonging to the company the news continues nominally it is the straits settlements council which is taking over the docks but in the at fairs of a crown colony t ia the imperial government which is responsible for local action nominally also the purchase is for commercial purposes but the press association is no doubt well advised when it states that the ulterior intention Is strategic interviewed by a representative of the paris petit journal admiral four aler is reported to have said it may be said that a fleet supported by such a base properly fortified could absolutely prohibit the passage of any paval force and could render difficult commercial communication between the china jeaa and europe which could virtually be suppressed but a fact has to be considered is that the creation of a naval port at singapore is the first step taken by great detain in the way in longs to go namely to be supreme in maritime commerce in those seas which after having known only her flag have seen its power wane before that of a formidable rival germany singapore is a key put to the gate af pf the china seas |