NAVAL POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 155, 29 December 1925, Page 7

NAVAL POLICY

STATEMENT BY FIRST SEA LORD

THE CRUISER PROGRAMME.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

LONDON, 12th November. Lord Beatty, First Sea Lord, re- ' sponding to the toast of the Navy at the Lord Mayor's banquet, 6aid that nn adequate British Navy existed today for the preservation of peace in the world, and for the security of the British Commonwealth of Nations. By the Washington Treaty the strength of the navies of the Great Powers was definitely laid down so far as capital I ships and aircraft were concerned. I Therefore the policy of the Government as regards these ships in conformity with this Treaty was equality with the strongest naval power— tho "One Po_wer Standard." It was agreed at Washington, that, our peculiar situation as a scattered Empire admitted of special treatment in the matter of cruisers. Therefore the policy of the Government in that respect was to provide an adequate number of cruisers for the protection, of our territories orer the seas and the sea communications of the Empire, on which the safety and existence of the various British peoples depended. "It is sometimes said," continued Earl Beatty, "that the Admiralty is going beyond its duty and is attempting to assert an undue influence on the policy of the country. This is a most profound misreading of the situation. Its duty is to advise, and the searching examination to which the latest Admiralty proposals have been subjected by the Government before receiving approval should satisfy any reasonable man that they have been accepted only because they represent bare necessities. If and when the country adopts some other policy, the Admiralty will loyally advise in accordance with the new formula, whatever it may be. SAFETY OF TRADE ROUTES. "That the present policy imposes a great strain on the finances of the country is undeniable, but what are the facts of the situation? The worldwide trade routes upon which we are dependent for our food and for the raw materials of our industries are no shorter or less complicated in their geographical disposition than they were in 1914. We are no less, in fact more, dependent upon their security. On the other hand, our means of ensuring tho safety of these supplies are now far less than in 1914. In 1914 we possessed 108 cruisers; to-day we have 59 afloat, under construction, and to bo laid down this year. "Apart from this side of the question, I ask if any industrial concern or business in the country finds that it can conduct its affairs with the same overhead charges as it incurred in 1914." Lord Beatty explained that the reduction of Kosyth and Pembroke Dockyards to a state of care and maintenance did not render them any less available for use in emergency than their upkeep at their present standard. The suggestion that either of the southern yards should be closed, and that Bosyth or Pembroke should take its place, which was tho only condition which would alter the strategic aspect, was one which waa altogether out of the question from the financial point of view, apart from other important considerations. TEMPORARY RELAXATION. "The Government, having taken into consideration the international outlook, has authorised some temporary relaxation of the immediate readiness of the Fleet for active service. This recent decision has opened up fielrls of economy hitherto closed to us, and tho sacrifice of preparedness lias already resulted in financial gain. To tamper with the traditional standard of the Fleet is a grave stop, which can only be justified by tho most serious exigencies, and wo know that the Government has reached its decision only after the most anxious consideration. "This step has rendered more important than ever the utmost efficiency in the naval staff. Vigilance, foresight, and the study of problems in conjunction with the military and air staffs become matters of even greater moment than before. Such naval disasters as occurred during (he wur were tlie direct result of the lack of a sufficient and efficient staff, find it would bo criminal to lapse once more into such a state.'' S3, J'lcot street.