BATTLESHIP COSTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 September 1938, Page 12

BATTLESHIP COSTS

U.S.A. AND GREAT BRITAIN. The announcement by the First Lord of the Admiralty (writes “The Observer’s” naval correspondent) that a new displacement limitation of 45,000 tons is to replace the existing 35,000-ton limit for battleships did not come as a surprise. The increase has been brought about by Japan’s unwillingness to disclose the details of the ships she now hasi under construction. At the same time, the maximum gun calibre of sixteen inches remains unaltered. ■■ The new tonnage limit is higher than the British Government desired, hut was brought about at the wish of ' the United States, whose naval advisers favour the mounting of a greater number of 16-inch guns per ship than - British naval opinion considers neces-' sary or desirable. The five British battleships now being built, King George V, Prince of Wales, Anson, Jellicoe, and Beatty, will be ships of 35,000 tons, armed ■'<’ with 14-inch guns. The two new battleships to be laid down under this 5 year’s programme will carry 16-inch guns and will not exceed a standard displacement of 40,000 tons. Taking the average prices of warship building in Britain and the United States, battleships of the sizes mentioned below, would cost approxii: mately as follows: — Tonnage Britain U.S.A. 35,000 £8,000,000 £12,000,000 40,0(70 £0;200,000 £13,700,000 .45,000 £10,350,000 £15,500,000 Building charges in the United - States are roughly 50 per cent. , higher than in England. ,