CAPITAL SHIPS IN THE PACIFIC

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 110, 12 May 1939, Page 8

CAPITAL SHIPS IN THE PACIFIC

Experts have often differed as to the value of battleships. Some experts have regarded their value in modern warfare as nil. It has even been said that the navy's devotion to battleships amounts to a mere desire to have an expansive quarterdeck to walk on. Nevertheless, the battleship has survived all criticism, from which it emerges in larger and larger tonnages. The layman, as apart from the expert, is inclined to think that

ever so many re-arming Governments can't be wrong; moreover, the layman has a psychological respect for size in naval units; therefore he will feel increased confidence if, as cabled, the triangular defence talks (Britain, Australia, New Zealand) are to result in the allocation not only of a battleship, but of battleships, to the Singapore-Australia-New Zealand area. Many people consider that one capital ship, the Australia, was the main or sole reason why yon Spec (with the Gneisenau and the Scharnhorst) departed from this part of the Pacific, to fall into the arms of Sturdee's two battle-cruisers at the Falkland Islands. Consequently there has been a renewed demand for a battleship in these waters, even at the price of some reduction of cruiser strength. Battleships are regarded as a corollary of the Singapore Base; and Mr. Bywater now reports that the Admiralty will comply. A price, of course, will have to be paid, and it will cover not only the capital ships themselves, but their accommodation in harbours arid docks. The Australian Government is receiving British advice on the construction of a dock capable of taking a capital ship: and the same question must interest New Zealand. If raiding enemy vessels succeed in mining Australian or New Zealand waters, dockage may become a vital

factor. Even in the last War we were troubled by enemy mines, and in such a world war as is now feared the chances of similar hostile action will be greatly increased. In "1914-18 the British Empire had allies or neutral countries on the greater part of the Mediterranean frontage and on most of the Adriatic frontage, also in Asia. But if there were an enemy Great Power both in the Mediterranean and in Asia (or in either of them), the whole complexion of the war would be altered so far as Aus-

tralia and New Zealand are con

cerned. It is to protect us from such a war that Mr. Chamberlain has pursued his pai-ticular diplomatic courses, often under criticism. This "magnificent example of forbearance set by Britain in the last two years in European affairs" is the subject of a timely tribute to Mr. Chamberlain by Mr. Menzies, the new Commonwealth Prime Minister.