BRITAIN’S BULWARKS

Evening Star, Issue 18999, 22 July 1925, Page 5

BRITAIN’S BULWARKS

NAVAL BUiLDSHG PROGRAMME CRISIS IN CABINET Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, July g>o. Tho lobbyist of the ‘ Daily Express ’ says ; "'The Admiralty sprang a surprise on the Covernment by peremptorily demanding that four cruisers should bo laid down immediately as a minimum. Tho meeting of tho Cabinet lias been postponed, and Mr Baldwin is using In’s strongest efforts to arrange a compromise. The Sea Lords, in effect, told tho Government that if it did not give them these ships it would have to relievo them of part of their responsibility. Without the cruisers tho Admiralty said it could not guard tho Empire. It seemed clear to-night that tiie Cabinet did not intend to give in to the Admiralty. Mr Churchill, fighting against increased expenditure, has all tho old Tories against him, but the young Conservatives who support economy would even welcome Admiralty resignations, on the ground that real naval economy is impossible under the present regime.” The political correspondent of tho ‘Morning Post’ says that Air Churchill is reported to bo stubborn .against the laying down of more than two cruisers this year and two or three next year. It is generally believed that if he is supported by Air Baldwin the resignations of Air Bridgeman and the Board of Admiralty will follow. Tho ‘Post,’ in an editorial headed ‘A Pint in the Cabinet, ’ says: “it is impossible to suppose that either Air Churchill or his allies care very much whether five or fifty cruisers or none arc ordered; but if Air Bridgeman can be forced to resign tho credit of Air Baldwin's Alinistry would receive a deadly Mow, and events might be so guided that Air Baldwin himself would resign; in which case a Coalition would again ho forced on the country.” 'The editorial expresses the opinion that Air Baldwin will uphold. Mr Bridgeman. ‘"Tho Prime Minister.” it says, “ conuot possibly contemplate a, dangerous weakening of the Navy.”—A. and N.Z. Cable.