A Matter of Life and Death

Northern Advocate, 13 July 1936, Page 5

A Matter of Life and Death

BRITAIN MUST HAVE. INVINCIBLE FLEET

LUnited Press Association: —By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright .] (Received TO a.m.) LONDON, July 11. “Britain has delayed rebuilding her Fleet for so long that nc-w it is essential to have virtually a new Fleet, strong enough to go anywhere, and carry out its duties under any conditions,” said Sir Samuel Hoare in a speech at Southampton. “That the new Fleet must be built on right lines is a matter of 'life and death to us. Every possible effort will be made to avail ourselves of practical experience and scientific discoveries, in order to ensure the soundest methods. If Britain’s sea communications were cut, our supply of raw materials would last v our industries three months, which would be more . than we would need, as, within six weeks, we would be dead from starvation. “The new formidable threat of air power has made what was once the most secure' island in the world the most vulnerable in Europe. Hence our determination to build such a fleet at the earliest possible mc-ment, also equally quicjdy to reach air parity with ■ the strongest Power within ■ range of our shores. “Out of £ 23,000,000_ for construction under the naval programme, so far £20,000,000 has gone in orders to depressed areas.”- ■■ ,