THE NAVAL CONTROVERSY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 245, 31 January 1921, Page 6

THE NAVAL CONTROVERSY.

Received January 31, 1.35 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 30,

Rear-Admiral Patey.- in a contribution.to the naval discussion*- says that he knows nothing to justify the statement that up-to-date battleships arc obsolete,,and valueless, lie believed a combination of surface; ships, submarines and aircraft is essential (or (In.protection ol our lines of sea communication, commerce and coasts. He says: Hie suggestion that we should wait and do nothing attracts the politicians but the Empire cannot afford to wait. Unless yo immediately do the best for ourselves m four years we, shall he reduced to ijie > position of (he second naval power which "ill he intolerable. Tho most pressing need m Australia ami New Zealand is docayivls. Whether Bri«*in or,Australasia provides.the ships, docking facilities must lie made available.’ This is urgent because the presence of ships in Australasian- waters will be imperative in the.tW,. ..Pa<nfic..;.CQlXil}jK;u:. lions.” Admiral Patey believes that Australia- and New Zealand should concentrate on dockyards, aircraft and submarine bases; while ..Britain supplies (he largos! siiilace •vessels.r-1 lifted Service.