GERMAN NAVY

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 February 1927, Page 7

GERMAN NAVY

GREATLY OVER-OFFICERED

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Assn.)

LONDON, Feb. 24. The “Morning Post’s” Berlin correspondent says: The German Fleet estimates for the year 1927 contain some remarkable naval figures. Though the country is now groaning with its weight of taxation, and though the Finance Minister is alleging that Geri: any will not be in a position to meet the Dawes Plan payments, the naval estimates are eleven million sterling, compared with ten millions last year. Tne man in the street is wondering why a fleet such as Germany’s is now, comprising only four old warships, three small cruisers, twelve torpedo boats, and a few auxiliaries, costs so much, but the most amazing thing is that the diminutive fleet has a personnel of no fewer than 4,970 officers, including 12 Admirals, Vice-Admirals and Rear-Admirals, and 147 Captains and Commanders, to only 9,935 men. Experts are of the opinion that the present fleet ought not to need more than one Vice-A'dmiral, one Rear-Admiral, twenty-one Captains and Commanders. The naval estimates are bound to be strongly criticised in the Reichstag.

AMERICA’S NEW CRUISERS.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.

The House of Representatives passed an addition to the Naval Appropriations Bill, providing for the commencement of the building of three sum which the Senate appropriated, cruisers, although slightly reducing the President Coolidge, in order to veto the provision, would be compelled to veto the entire Appropriations Bill which is considered unlikely. WAR-TIME CENSURES. NEW. YORK, Feb. 25. The United States Navy was so mishandled by the Navy Secretary (Mr Daniel , during the world war, and so many mistakes, delays, and blunders were perpetrated, that the war was nearly lost to the Allies,” declared Admiral Sims in a magazine. Admiral Sims charges Mr Daniels with opposing the convoy system; also delaying the despatch ofj submarine chasers.

He adds: “Daniels’ handling of the Navy was so ignorantly contrary to established principles of warfare, as to result in great losses of time, property and life. His record shows him utterly untrustworthy.” Admiral Sims says he reveals the facts as a lesson to the people of the United States.”