SOVIET FLEET

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27442, 31 August 1954, Page 3

SOVIET FLEET

“Obviously Designed For Offence” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 29. The composition of the Russian fleet as disclosed by the recent Admiralty figures gave a clear idea of the role the Russians intend for it in war—offence, not defence—say both the “Daily Telegraph” and the ‘‘Glasgow Herald,” in leading articles on Russia’s growing naval strength. ‘‘lt would be idle to pretend that the Admiralty’s analysis is not disturb* ing,” says the ‘‘Daily Telegraph.” “In two or three years the Russian fleet will include 30 cruisers and no fewer than 500 submarines. ‘‘The rate of expansion is very high. A new submarine is added every week. This means that the Russian annual output is greater than Britain’s total submarine fleet. “A comparison of the Russian figures with those of the combined North Atlantic Treaty Organisation fleets shows that there is no need for panic. It also shows, however, that nothing less than the combined N.A.T.O. fleets could give security—a fact which" emphasises the need for continupus combined exercises.

“The Russian fleet of today is obviously designed as an offensive, not a' defensive weapon. The emphasis on submarines and fast cruisers, which could be used as commerce raiders, shows that the main objective will be enemy supply routes.” The ‘‘Glasgow Herald” says: ‘‘lt is a little disconcerting to find that Russia is once more a great naval Power and, as a result of her conquests, in a favourable position to exert naval strength to advantage in war. Protected by ( nature, and covered by a powerful air fleet, the Russian fleet is indeed a very formidable weapon. “If war comes it is the plain intention of the Russian planners that we shall be attacked, not in two elements as we had apprehensively thought, but in three.”