THE ADMIRALTY'S STANDARD.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14308, 20 March 1912, Page 9

THE ADMIRALTY'S STANDARD.

He was not prepared to recommend a two to one standard against Germany. . Tho time might como when, it would bo necessary, out. it was not now. Changes in the European situation rendered the two-Power standard inapplicable and inadequate. The Admiralty's present standard, compared with Germany's, was 60 per cent, superior in battleships, Dread- | noughts and cruisers, and that would suffice for five years, if Germany did not alter her plans. As the preDreadnought' declined in fighting value, tho ratio would rise above 60. It appeared necessary to construct four sh:ps and three Dreadnoughts alternately during the next 6ix years. That was the least required to maintain the standard, and the Estimates were framed accordingly. If Germany increased her construction, we would meet it upon the higher ratio of superiority by. four additional ships spread over six years. Ho : wished, to i make it clear that any retardation or reduct : on in German construction would be met by England's prompt response, contingent upon the absence of dangers elsewhere. Supposing both took, a year's holiday, three ships would not be built. Germany would have nearly £7,000,000, and would automatically wipe out five potential British superDreadnoughts.