THE BRITISH NAVY

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 116, 9 February 1929, Page 9

THE BRITISH NAVY

BUILDING OF NEW CRUISERS MR. BRIDGEMAN’S REPLY / TO QUESTION PROVISION MADE IN ESTIMATES (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Press Assn.—United Service.! (Rec. February S, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 8. file First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. W- C. Bridgeman, in a written answer to Major Hore-Bellsha (L.), states that there was provision In the Estimates based on the ordering of two new cruisers in February and March, arrangements for which are proceeding. One cruiser has been allocated to Portsmouth Dockyard, one cruiser and 'two sloops to Devonport, and one submarine and one depot ship to Chatham. The remaining ships are to be built on contract. The answer is interpreted in some quarters as disposing of the report that Mr. Churchill haa secured the dropping of the cruisers in the Interests of economy. On the Other hand the opinion is expressed that though preliminary arrangements were made for ordering the cruisers, the Government may yet decide not to build at present AMERICAN CRUISER BILL (Australian Press Association.) Washington, February 7. Congress has sent the Cruiser Bill to President Coolidge for signature, after having adopted the Senate’s amendment without recording a vote. This has virtually ended the fight for the new cruisers, as President Coolidge is expected to sign the .measure. INTEREST IN JAPANESE . NAVAp CIRQUES ' (Australian Press Association.). Tokio, February 6. It is reported that the passage of the Cruiser Bill by the American Senate is arousing the keenest interest in Japanese naval circles, as they foresee Japan’s inability, for financial reasons, to maintain , the proportion allowed by the Washington Treaty.