IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 68, 22 March 1911, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

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[PBESS ASSOCIATION.] if ; LONDON, March 21. .In the House of Commons., on the Navy Estimates debate, Lord Beresiord declared Germany to have had 33 capital ships in 1907, and, probably 58 now, since she must-continue building, owing to the money invested in the yards and armament factories, and tho number of workmen employed. Thirty-two new British cruisers were required to cope with the merchant ships which the other nations claimed the right to arm.

Mr McKenna assented to the possibility of Lord Beresfoi'd's contentions, hut Great Britain did not' admit the olaim 3 and consequently must await t the event. If the merchant ships were commissioned Great Britain would prove fully equal to the emergency. It was time to consider how to act when the emergency arose. -