NAVAL AMBITIONS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 36, 6 November 1933, Page 10

NAVAL AMBITIONS

Portugal’s New Policy PARITY WITH SPAIN Conimander Pereira da .Silva, the right-hand man of the Minister of Marine,made some, interesting statements in an interview concerning what he describes us the “renaissance” of the Portuguese Navy. He began by stating that the vessels to be constructed .represent the greatest effort in connection with the navy d.uring the life of the Republic. “Our necessities,” said Commander Pereira da Silva, “are by no means covered yet, and we must try to complete the programme quickly, without forgetting the cruisers and transport of aircraft, the lack of which would not only be felt in the event of war, but also when it should be necessary to transport aircraft, of indisputable value, to any part of the Portuguese colonies.” An interesting point of the interview was reached when the commander was asked if Portugal would continue her cqiistyuction schemer until, she •: arrived at'parity with Spain. He replied: “Certainly; after having passed through a situation which I have described as the naval zero point, the plan which we are carrying out is an important step toward the arrival at a point of equality. "I realise that just yet parity between Spain and Portugal will be difficult to obtain, but this is no reason for denying- what our new fleet represents. just so much in a possible cooperation with our neighbours as for a greater prestige of the two sister races;” ' ■ In this respect Commander Pereira also pointed out the geographical and strategic value of the peninsula and the increase in political influence which a powerful peninsula naval bloc Would bring about. He afterward compared tlie new vessels with the best of the Spanish fleet, particularly the new submarines of the Portuguese squadron, which are better equipped and armed than the six best of Spain, emphasising that the realisation of the Portuguese naval programme is progressing very favourably. Commander Pereira da Silva has served as Minister of Marine under five Governments of five different political parties, being chosen, not as a politician, but as an efficient naval officer.