U.S.A. NAVY

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 July 1934, Page 7

U.S.A. NAVY

AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME

[BY CABLE PRESS ASSN. COPYRIGHT.]

(Rec. July 14, 10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, July 13.

Looking toward treaty strength by 1942, the United States navy has adopted a plan calling for fifty-five thousand more enlisted men, and the

laying down of nineteen new ships in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1936. This “operating force” plan would give the navy eighty-eight thousand men. The new ships would include twelve destroyers of 11,500 tons each, two heavy destroyers, and five submarines. A high navy official said the build-

ing programme is being pointed toward the future plan of laying down about fifteen ships regularly each year. The cost is estimated at about ninety-five million dollars each year. Gradually, this goal is being approached. Thirty-two ships- were started during the past fiscal year, and twenty-four will be laid down this year. The programme depends, of course, upon what money Congress provides.

FRENCH ACCIDENT.

TOULON, July 13

When the destroyers Vautour and Albatross had returned from target practice, the Vautour’s gunnery lieutenant ordered a charge to be withdrawn from a gun from which it was not fired. The shell exploded during the operation transforming the forecastle of the Albatross into a shambles, killing two and wounding one sailor.