THE POWER OF THE NAVY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21623, 6 November 1935, Page 19

THE POWER OF THE NAVY

* KEEPING PEACE OF THE WORLD "Second-rale" was the term used to describe the modern state of worli peace by the Rev. Canon A. H. Norris, who addressed a gathering at the Navy League Hail last n.gnt. True peace, ne said, would be a just and unselfish living in harmony of the nations. The time for that was not yet come. To bring it about was undoubtedly the work of the Church; and the Church was working toward that end far more than the average person knew. But the peace known and sought alter to-day was better than having no p..ace. Its maintenance depended upon power; it could be maintained by a loree to intimidate aggressors. The greatest maintaining nmuence at present, was the British Navy. It was by no means the pentct means of keeping peace, but it could, he thought, be considered a scailolding to a permanent ediiice of world peace. Until a building was complete and safe it was lolly to take away the scaffolding. It was evident, too, that the navy was the force behind the League of Nations. The threat of the sanctions being applied now to Italy was being made 01 worth because the British Navy was in the oiling. To take its presence away would be to have Italy caring nothing for those sanctions. In the interests of peace, he said, the upkeep of the navy should be one of the first cares. Obsolete ships were hindrances and would have to be replaced by the most efficient ships, and the navy would have always to be kept adequate. The Navy League, which in England was an influential body, and which was actually not without power in any part of the Empire, had the maintenance of the navy as its first object. Those who cherished peace as it was to-day, and it was very necessary, would realise the benefits of keeping the Navy League a strong organisation.