BRITAIN’S NAVAL POLICY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 18 August 1927, Page 5

BRITAIN’S NAVAL POLICY.

FROM FRENCH VIEWPOINT. DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE. BY CABLE- PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGH'I LONDON, Aug. 16. The Paris .correspondent of “The Times” says “Le Temps,” in a survey of the British naval policy from the French viewpoint expresses the opinion that the strategic purpose of the policy uoav is the defence of the Empire and its main routes and, despite certain reductions of credits, the Singapore base has been actively pushed forward and the main fleet stationed at Malta, whereby big ships Avill be permanently at the gates of the Red Sea and the Far East. The Mediterranean Powers see therein no menace or unhealthy appetite foi hegemony The writer refers to Britain’s bold policy in not shrinking from the most costly changes when it is a question of fighting values, but points out that she slioavs less enterprise with the submarine. Moreover, she has nothing to compare with France’s “tigre” flotilla class.

As regards RIOO and RlOl, they are possibly destined for use as scouts for the Pacific fleet Avhen the Singapore base is completed. The article concludes Avith a reference to the Dominions’ groAving appreciation of the Imperial naval policy.