GERMANY’S SUBMARINE FLEET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 21 December 1936, Page 9

GERMANY’S SUBMARINE FLEET

TO BE TWICE AS LARGE AS IN 1914 THREE CLASSES (United Press Association —By. Electrio Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, 20th December. The Naval Year Book published in Berlin shows that early in 1937 Germany will possess a submarine fleet about twice as large as that of 1914. Submarines completed or ready in the spring consist of twenty-four 250 tonners, ten 500 tonners and two of 712 tons, although UlB, which was recently s'iink, must be deducted. Surface vessels being constructed include a 35,000 ton battleship, two 26,000 ton battleships, two aeroplane carriers, three 10,000 tori cruisers, six destroyers and twelve torpedo boats, all being built under the AngloGerman Naval Agreement. The 250 ton submarines have three torpedo tubes and a crew of 25; the 500 tenners, five torpedo tubes, ah 8.8 centimetre gun'and a crew of 35; while the largest will have six torpedo tubes a 10.5 centimetre gun and a crew of forty.

TWO AMERICAN BATTLESHIPS WASHINGTON, 19th December. Plans for the construction of two battleships were discussed by President Roosevelt with Cabinet following the announcement from London yesterday that Britain would invite bids for a new capital ship.

Any definition of the United States Government policy is withheld until Ist January in accordance to naval treaties.