THE NAVY OF THE UNITED STATES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 2515, 17 December 1927, Page 4

THE NAVY OF THE UNITED STATES.

The naval programme of the United States has knocked the wind out of those who have been working for a reduction in armaments. Coolidge has approved of a five years’ naval programme involving an expenditure of a thousand million dollars, and in an interview, states that there is no necessity for other nations to enter into a competition with his country. It means that America is going to build up a navy that in point of strength will be superior to that cf any other maritime Power. She wants the supremacy of the seas, and if money can gain her this objective, she will be eminently successful. Whether President Coolidge is concerned for the safety of the country, or whether the Government wants to follow the example of America’s millionaires in making an ostentatious show of wealth, is not known. If she carries out her announced policy of not interfering with other countries, America’s navy will be no menace to the world. It must be recognised, however, that a large amount of American capital is being invested abroad, and she cannot isolate herself indefinitely. America wants the plums of other countries, but does net wish to shoulder any of the responsibilities. A striking example cf this phase of her rulers’ psychology is to be seen in the happenings in China the last 12 months. America may be rich in gold, her commerce is flourishing, and she has every reason to be satisfied with her financial position since the start of the war in 1914, but a considerable amount of her success has been at the expense of other countries. With twethirds of the world’s gold at her disposal she can afford to play a lone hand, but it is a question whether she can continue to do so indefinitely.