POSSIBLE CONFLICT

Gisborne Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9947, 26 February 1925, Page 5

POSSIBLE CONFLICT

OUTBURST BY YANKEE ADMIRAL.

BRITAIN JEALOUS OF AMERICA

TALK OF BITTER ANIMOSITY

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT) ' (REUTER'S TELEGRAM.) (Received Feb. 25, 11 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.

A possible conflict with Britain over shipping trade policies is one reason for having a. strong United States navy, Rear-Adgrral Phelps told the Women’s Council, which has pledged its efforts to maintain peace. Admiral Phelps said the bulk of the : world’s' oil supplies were under British control and within another generation when, our own pools are drained, as they are be’ng drained, not only by us but by England and Japan to conserve tlieiv own oil re-serves,-the U.S. navy and marine will be at Britain's mercy for fuel. The determination of the United States to build up an adequate merchant marine. , Admiral Phelps added, had*, aroused the 'bitter .animosity of British shipping interests. A

AMERICA AND AIRCRAFT.

ENQUIRIES TO- BE CONTIN UED. (SYDNEY SUN CABLE) WASHINGTON, Feb. 24. The House Aaircraft Committee lias decided to re-open its hearings. This is due to public clamour against the sudden decision to cease activities. The official explanation that the committee stopped work owing to lack of funds is disproved, as it is now discovered that 2500 dollars are still available. Moreover, members of the committee and" others offered to defray further expenses personally. It is expected that Mr Weeks will he called shortly to give evidence. Meantime ’ Mr Wilbur, addressing 'the Women’s Conference on National defence, declared that, even if the defensive power of aircraft extends two hundred nii’es from the Const, the navy will still bo the only protection beyond that point. He asserted that the navy is strengthening and building up its aviation branch, adding: “If bombing planes can s'lik bntt'eships, we want bonfbing, planes. We not only want them ; we have nnd are yetting them.”