Extended Manoeuvres For American Fleet

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 45, 23 February 1938, Page 4

Extended Manoeuvres For American Fleet

BIG PROGRAMME FOR MID-MARCH United Press Association —By Blectrlo Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Tuesday, 7 p.m. WASHINGTON, Feb. 22. The Navy has announced that midMarch manoeuvres will cover 11 to 12 million square miles of the Pacific from Hawaii to Midw'ay Islands and from Alaska and the Aleutians to Samoa. One hundred and fifty worships, 500 aeroplanes, 3600 officers and 55,000 ratings will be involved. It is indicated it will be the most southerly manoeuvres ever made by the American Navy and wilt traverse the areas of several Japanese mandated islands. BUILDING UP THE FLEET Received Tuesday, 7.40 p.m. NEW YORK, Feb. 21. With the end of the hearing of the billion dollar naval programme approaching, the House Naval Affairs Committee expects a report on the Bill which is virtually unchanged, within a week. Every ship, combatant and auxiliary asked for by Roosevelt will be included. It will also occasion no surprise if the Bill contains several auxiliaries that Admiral Leahy recommendod aud ateo the establishment of additional naval bases, chiefly in tho Pacific, and at least one in Alaska. Committeemen have expressed the opinion that the passage of the Bill is more assured due to Hitler’s speech.