Naval Power in the New Year

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 1, 2 January 1941, Page 7

Naval Power in the New Year

The Fighting Fleets Compared AMERICAN EXPERT'S REVIEW Unlt«4 Press EMetrlc Telegraph—Copyright. Beceived Wednesday, 9.30 p.m.WASHINGTON, Dec. 31. The Navy Secretary (Colonel Knoa;, 10 a special despatch to the United Press of America, said: “1941 vv ill Bcc the Navy programme making iuil speed. Planes, men and bases ure ail receiving the strictest attention. The United Btates fleet, at present tue hardest hitting fighting unit afloat, uv the end of 19*1 will be immeasurably strengthened by the addition of two battleships, one cruiser and at least 10 submarines and 14 destroyers, also repair ships, submarines, seaplane tenders, submarine chasers and torpedoboats.

transports, oil tankers, ammunition ships, store-ships, minelayer* and sweepers are being converted from merchant ships already purchased. By the end of 1941 the bases acquired from Britain will be in such condition that no enemy will be able to penetrate our Atlantic chores without facing a fight far front our seaboard. All the projects for our air and naval bases in the Pacific aro on or ahead of schedule.” In a review for the United Press of America of naval action losses last year, Rear-Admiral Yatee Stirling, junr., expressed the opinion that United Btates aid bo Britain may be the deciding factor. Ho lists the British losses, but concludes that the transfers from the United Btates more than compensated for the lost destroyers. Counting replacements, including those from France, the Britiah naval position is actually as strong as when the war began.

For the defeat of submarine and air attacks against merchantmen, Britain needs more destroyers and bombers, also the use of Irish bases.

The last 16 months have proved that a battleship has become more formidable on the seas because of air pow er. Heavy surface worships are still the backbone of sea pow'er provided they are always accompanied by adequate and co-operated sea power.

Germany is reported to be building a submarine daily. If this is true, her losses are more than compensated. British submarine losses may make the blockade of German bases more difficult. Italy and Germany have received naval reinforcements by the building of at least two Italian and two German battleships. It is believed eight Japanese battleships and four 20,000-ton cruisers could drive United States trade from the seas. Such vessels could T&nge as far as Panama and the United State* Pacific coast and attack coastal shipping. They would be fast and heavily gunned enough to overtake and defeat United States cruisers. The United * States has no answer to this except * submarines.