BRITISH WARSHIPS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 February 1929, Page 5

BRITISH WARSHIPS

AN AMERICAN GRIEVANCE. (United Service.) (By Cable—Press Assn.— Copyright.) WASHINGTON, February 8. Word from London stating that the British cruiser construction programme would be carried out as scheduled was followed here to-day by a denunciation of the British Press by Chairman Britten in the House of I'.epresentatives Naval Committee. Chairman Britten accused the British press of circulating false reports at the time that Congress was considering the Naval Bill. Mr Britten said that during the past, six years, whenever the United States Congress was considering Navy increases, it had been customary for the British Press to broadcast reports that the intention of Britain was to slow up her naval building programme. These announcements, he added, had been taken seriously by the pacifists and by European patriots. CONTRACTS WELCOMED LONDON, February 9. The “Daily Telegraph’s” naval correspondent understands that the naval contracts to be given to private shipyards will represent at least six millions. Three Tyneside firms will each receive a contract for two destroyers. John Brown, of Cyldebank will build the remaining two destroyers. The Admiralty is also placing an order for oi.e flotilla leader, five submarines, one river gunboat, and two sloops. It is thus providing welcome work.