GERMANY'S NAVY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1927, Page 9

GERMANY'S NAVY

EXTRAVAGANT COST

i PERSONNEL EXCESSIVE ONE OFFICER TO EVER?' TWO MEN (United I'rcss Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, 24th February. The Berlin correspondent of the "Morning Post" says the Estimates for 1927 contain remarkable naval figures. Though the countiy is groaning under the burden of taxation, and tho I'lnanco Minister is alleging that Germany will not be in a position to .meet the Dawes payments, the naval estimates . are oleven millions, compared, to ten - millions last. year. The 1 '(man in. the street" is wondering why a fleet comprising four old warships, three small cruisers, twelve torpedo boats, and a few auxiliaries costs so much, but what is most amazing is that this diminutive fleet has' a personnel of 4979. officers (including twelve admirals, vice-admi - als, and rear-admirals), 147 eapta i and commanders, to 9935 men. Expei .j are of the opinion that tho present fleet ought not to need more than one vice-admiral, ■ ono rear-admiral, and twenty-two capjtains and commanders. -The estimates :are bound to be strongly criticised in the Reichstag. ■..■ i..