EMPIRE NAVY

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 December 1925, Page 5

EMPIRE NAVY

LORD JELLICOE’S SCHEME.

(“Sydney Sun” Service.)

LONDON, December o.

It is stated that the Admiralty ooes not regard unfavourably Lord Jellicoe’s scheme for an Empire Navy, it being the outcome of his first nand observations during his residence in New Zealand. it .is pointed out that the Admiralty is satisfied to get ships, men and money regardless of where they come from. That is the politicians’ job. It is confidently- expected in wellinformed circles that some scheme of disarmament will shortly be evolved, removing the necessity for a scheme, such as Lord Jellicoe’s. By a coincidence Lord Jellicoe’s scheme was published simultaneously with the Navy ’ League’s inauguration of a campaign, drawing attention of the public to the fact that Britain to-day has not a one-power standard of naval strength. The League is circulating thousands of leaflets [minting out that while Britain possesses, like America, twenty-two capital ships. Britain’s cruisers are out of date. Only eight have been constructed since 1918, against America’s ten, and Japan’s eighteen. Also that Britain has only isixty-three submarines against America’s one hundred and twenty-three, v'hile of destroyers Britain has only 152, and America has 293.

The Navy League supports Lord Jelilicoe’s scheme, but the question of Dominion contributions will provide a isnag which wrecked many previous schemes for an Empire Navy. I lie allocation of contributions is a political question for the Dominion Parliaments, and it is regarded in diplomatic circles in London that the time is not -yet ripe for that. Well-in-formed people believe that they can accurately forecast the Dominions attitude towards Lord Jelilicoe’s scheme, without waiting for the official declaration. They say that Canada would unanmiously reject the scheme, New Zealand would warmly support it. South Africa would protest that she was not able to support it. while it is recognised that Australia is already doing her bit, but all are agreed that the Empire’s naval defence policy should be urgently considered. The “Daily Telegraph” editorially endorses Lord Jellicoe’s plea for closer and more effective naval defence. Tt emphasises that the plea embodies his experiences of a world tour after the war. and as Governor-General of New Zealand.