BRITISH NAVY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 113, 6 February 1920, Page 7

BRITISH NAVY

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH DOMINIONS (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright London, February 3. The naval correspondent of the "Daily Express" states that it is certain that the forthcoming Naval Estimates do not provide for a hew building programme. | "We are woll supplied with ships of all classes for our immediate needs," he save. "Moreover, the experts have not completed an exhaustive examination of tho lessons of the war. A most important Question of policy arises in connection with tho relationship with the Dominion. Advocates of air power will ridicule Admiral Viscount Jcllicoe's Australian and New Zealand' schemes, but he is only planning for the next five yoars, during which tiino it is inconceivable that' aircraft will completely supersede seagoing ships. Expense is the stumbling-block, but wo must still bo prepared to continue until 1925 the naval protection of commerce. The shifting of the. centre yf naval gravity to the Indian and Pacific Oceans may result in the main squadrons abandoning * British, and even European, waters. Viscount Jcllico9 will be able to advise on this pressing financial problem." Viscount Jcllicoe, in an interview, said lie was impressed by the loyalty of the Dominions. They fully recognised, life said, tliat if they maintained their own naval forces it would bn necessary lo act in close, co-operation with the Imperial Navy iii the event of war—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.