Nations’ Armaments Race

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1938, Page 7

Nations’ Armaments Race

(Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 18

In a foreword to “Jane’s Fighting Ships for 1938,” it is stated that shipbuilders have never been so busy with naval work since the Great War. Capital ships under construction throughout the world number at least 25. most of them 35,000-tonners. Five battleships and five aircraftcarriers are being built by the British Navy. Other ships being built comprise 18 cruisers, 32 destroyers, 15 submarines, 17 escort patrol vessels and minesweepers, two depot ships, four river gunboats, 15 motor torpedo boats, six motor and 22 boom-working vessels.

In addition, three battleships, four cruisers, three minelayers, three depot ships, one torpedo-boat and two other vessels have been authorised, but not yet ordered. France’s programme includes four battleships, two aircraft carriers, three cruisers, 22 destroyers, four torpedo-boats, and 24 submarines. Japan has four new battleships, two of which are reported to have been laid down this year. It is believed that they are over 40,000 tons, with eight or nine 16-inch guns, and a speed approximately the same as Britain’s, namely in the region of 30 knots. Five battleships are now being built.

Japan is said to have evolved the tiniest experimental submarine for harbour defence. It is believed that it will not exceed 100 tons.

Germany is constructing three battleships carrying eight 15-inch guns, two aircraft-carriers, and three heavy cruisers are being built. Italy is building four battleships, 12 cruisers, 10 destroyers, 10 torpedoboats, and at least 30 submarines. Information from Russia is scarce, but reports from Japanese sources indicate that the Soviet Fleet includes 70 submarines and 50 motor torpedoboats.