NAVAL STRENGTH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 30, 6 February 1933, Page 9

NAVAL STRENGTH.

With reference to the cable and footnote in a recent "Star" dealing with naval power and the ratios between the various Powers, it was stated that the British naval estimates, according to the "Daily Telegraph," would be substantially more in 1933 than in 1i)32. I have no doubt they will be. In the footnote the ratios between the various Powers were given in such a way as to be misleading and in many cases were entirely wrong. In battleships, Britain possesses 12, America 15, Japan 10, France nine, Italy four, Germany four, and Russia three. In this ratio battleships, battlecruisers and pre-dread-noughts have been confused. The following list gives a correct view of the position: —Britain has 12 dreadnought battleships, America 12, Japan six, France six. Italy four, and Russia four. In dreadnought battlecruisers Britain has three, Japan three, and the remaining Powers none. In pre-dreadnoughts France has three, Italy has three ships officially classed as pre-dreadnoughts, but which are really only large armoured cruisers, Gcrnutny four, and Russia one. Germany lias one pocket battleship and one laid down. The fighting value of dreadnought battleships and battlecruisers is about equal, while one dreadnought is capable of easily defeating at least three pre-dreadnoughts. The ratio between cruisers was stated to be:; Britain 52, Japan 27, America 19, France 19, Italy 17, Russia six, and Germany four. The correct ratios are Britain 57, Japan 38, America 18, France 17, Italy 23 (not including armoured cruisers classed as battleships), Russia six, and Germany six. In air cruisers Britain has six, Japan four, America three, and France one. The destroyer and submarine totals are reasonably correct. Regarding destroyers it was stated that America is well in the lead. That is perfectly true, but it is to be noted that the value of destroyers in war ha 3 been considerably destroyed. Their places have been filled by scouting 'planes to an enormous extent. The number of ships in the navies does not always count very much. For instance America has a more powerful fleet than Japan, and if the two fleets met in a decisive action the Japanese would undoubtedly be defeated, but owing to the disposition of the navies Japan is equal to America. On the other hand Britain could easily defeat Japan. However, the figures given above will assist to clear the matter up in the minds of people who have no idea of strategy or naval matters. In spite of my statements above showing that Britain is 'still the foremost naval Power I advocate that Britain should build up to the maximum tonnage allowed under the Washington Treaty. C. B. NEWICK.