Making the Navy Safe

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 47, 26 February 1936, Page 5

Making the Navy Safe

Commons Passes Largest Estimates in 14 Years

CONCERN AT FOREIGN ACHIEVEMENTS

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 7.5 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 25.

The Commons discussed ,the Supplementary Navy Estimates. They include provision for beginning the construction of seven destroyers to be known as the Tribal class.,

The Admiralty has watched with concern tho construction of largo foreign destroyers. France, Germany, Italy, Japan and United (States to-day have destroyers ranging from 1-600 tons to over 2000 tong, the latter approaching the cruiser class.

The Government has decided to amend its plans and build destroyers of ISSO tons instead of the intended repeat order of the 1934 type, namely, 1350 tons. The increase conforms to the London Naval Treaty. A trial order has also been placed for six motor torpedo boats in order to keep abreast of modern developments.

A considerable number of new works have been started, including an antiaircraft gunnery training establishment at Portsmouth.

Other expenses have arisen from the presence of the fleet in the Mediterranean, including tho purchase of twenty trawlers. Hon. A. V. Alexander, in moving a reduction of tho vote v said the estimates brought the naval provision for the year to £65,000,000, which was the largest naval expenditure for fourteen years.

“We are beginning an armaments race from to-night,” he added, “and it represents progress towards national bankruptcy.” Bt. Hon. W. S. Churchill described Mr Alexander’s speech as deplorable. The British fleet in the Mediterranean had been in a condition approximating “strained relations” with Italy for months. Labourites in a previous debate, had strenuously urged sanctions, yet they were opposing expenditure necessary for putting the fleet in a condition of preparedness. The reduction was negatived by 285 votes to 95 and the estimate approved. Tho Supplementary Army and Air Force Estimates wero also approved.