Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1934. BRITAIN'S NAVAL NEEDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 193, 29 May 1934, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1934. BRITAIN'S NAVAL NEEDS.

According to the naval correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph," the British Government, in view of the possible breakdown of the Disarmament Conference, has been quietly reviewing Britain's naval resources, besides her air defences. Informed circles discount the suggestion that a sudden emergency may catch the Navy napping, says the writer. Plans for swift concentration have been prepared to the last detail and already there is a tendency to speed up construction. The question of personnel is constantly under review. The report will be received with approval by large sections of the people, not only in the Homeland but also overseas, for tiie gradual reduction in the naval vote since 1925 —checked only in 1932—had rendered the position perilous to the defence of the Empire. Last year an increase was authorised in view of the frank determination of other Powers to build up to the limits of the London Treaty. In the Navy Estimates approved by the House in March, the figure goes to £56,550,000, a further increase necessitated as maintenance, chiefly in major repairs and modernisation. This is.not a challenge to anybody, but a moderate precaution in circumstances not d.f Britain's making. The present state of Europe is such that the only wise course at this juncture is to proceed with the programme instituted after the London Treaty. This programme is mainly concerned with cruiser strength, a necessity of supreme importance to a Power dependent on the security of its long sea-routes. That the British Empire should, for any reason, become negligent of this need ought to be a cause of national alarm. It requires no tremendous mental effort to perceive that, while precautionary outlay in this way is both a provision of employment and an insurance of industry and commerce, failure to undertake it would be inviting utter economic ruin. So long as there is lacking a foreign readiness to assure British communications inviolate passage upon the high seas there is undeniably present a need for an efficient British Fleet. The whole Empire is at stake in adequate provision to meet that need.