BRITISH NAVAL CONTROL

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 February 1942, Page 2

BRITISH NAVAL CONTROL

SIR ROGER KEYES AS CRITIC. (Recd. 2.30 p.m.) LONDON. Feb. 16. “The cruel humiliation which the Navy has suffered in recent weeks has emphasised the folly and blindness of those who deprived it of a large and highly-e-fficient air service 24 years ago," said Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, in a speech. “It is difficult to speak temperately of successive Governments for planting such a handicap on the Navy, or of successive Boards of Admiralty who tolerated the ill-control of naval air power, which should be an integral part of a modern fleet, in the exercise of sea power. The only torpedo-bombers the Navy ’ possessed were six-year-old Swordfish biplanes, with a speed, loaded, of about 100 miles per hour, and carrying one small 18-inch torpedo, incapable of inflicting vital damage on a modern capital ship unless by a fortunate hit on tne propeller, which happened in the case of the Bismarck, which was not escorted by fighters. One thing is absolutely certain, —the war machine of this country will have to be thoroughly overhauled, otherwise victory will be postponed, and people will pay with their lives while awaiting victory. It is unfair to the youth of this country that they are not provided with the best vessels and the best means of making war, and are not given a vigorous, offensive war policy. When these things come, victory will not long be delayed.” He refrained from comment on me “deplorable proceedings off Singapore and in our narrow seas,” because, lie understood, an inquiry was being held.