New-York tribune., 1908-02-22
INVITED TO AUSTRALIA.
Return of Fleet by Way Of Suez
Probable, Secretary Root Says.

Washington Feb. 21.-Interesting and i'm
portant news relative to the future movements
of the American battleship fleet was made pup
lie after the Cabinet meeting to-day by Secre-
tary Metcalf. 1t comprised an invitation from
the Australian government to have the Meet. or
at least of the vessels. visit that country
Secretary Roots reply is the first authentic In
dication as to the movements of the Meet aI'ef
its Journey to San Francisco has been COM
pleted After expressing his appreciation Oh 'ne
invitation the Secretary says:
The eventual movements of our fleet have not
VET been determined. While IL is proDaoie thd
the vessels will return by way of Suez Wouln
be glad if of them could be sent py tne
Australian route. but il would be premature 10
promise this
The invitation was first mentioned in letter
by Alfred Deakin. Prime Minister of Australia
addressed to John P Bray. American Consul
General at Melbourne dated December "a as
fellows:
The appearance in the Pacific of the great
American fleet is event in the history Hol
only OF the United States but Of that ocean. p" {
are naturally deeply interested in this visit ana
anxious to have some opportunity OF eH-
pressing sympathy with our k1nsnen III
their demonstration of naval power. Ihere are
two sides to the Pacific. and it would be a
pity if only one of them were to be favored win
the presence of these ships l purpose there
fore. at a Suta BILE time to address a fornlal
communication to the Governor General to be
forwarded to the Colonial Office. requesting that
an invitation be sent to the President TO permit
your fleet to call at the chief Australian poT's.
l think you will be able to tell your govern
ment what enthusiastic. whole hearted Wei
come battleships under the American nag Will
receive in the Commonwealth. 1t would be a
further token of the close alliance of interests
and sympathies which exists between Us
No other federation in the world possesses SO
many features of likeness to that of the United
States as does the Commonwealth of Australa
and I doubt whether any two peoples could be
In
and likely to benefit more oy any
thing that tends to knit their relations more
closely Australian ports and portals would pc
wide open to your ships and men, and II would
be a matter Of great qualification if the Presi-
dent could see his way to direct that the wishes
of this government be met in the matter.
1t is with view of enabling your government
TO have time to consider this proposal. which
NAV be made by cable that am now communi =
eating with you. Relying your friendly Of
fees to insure the most favorable reception
possible to this invitation. which might nave
momentous and far reaching consequences. L
am Yours faithfully.
" ALFRED DEAKIN.
In his letter transmitting the communication,
Consul General Bray says:
NAV mention that the Prime Minister called
at the consulate general in person and urged
Assuredly the Prime Minister in his letter voices
the sentiments of the Australian community,
and If il is possible for the invitation to be
accepted the heartiest welcome would await the
fleet in these waters
Secretary Metcalf in making the correspond
ence public expressed the qualification of the
Navy Department at the cordiality of the invi-
tation. and added that the subject would receive
earnest consideration.