This
was rather than the opinion of the Dutch newspaper but that of the British
newspaper The Times where in an item dated London 19 March the maritime
problems were discussed and was concluded that regarded eventual coming events
it would be wise to maintain again a strong British squadron in the Eastern
waters. If the British Indies, Ceylon,
the Strait Settlements and Australia
decided to pay half of the costs needed for such a squadron could the
motherland not refuse to pay the other half. Twelve protected cruisers for this
area would not be considered as being excessive.
