NAVAL EXPENDITURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15503, 9 January 1914, Page 7

NAVAL EXPENDITURE.

SPEECH BY LIBERAL M.P.

REDUCTION BADLY NEEDED

EXAMPLE OF BRITAIN.

Bv Telesraph—Press Association Copyright.

(Received January 8. 10.30 p.m.)

London, January 8. Mr. C- E. Hobhouse (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster), speaking at Bristol last night, said Britain's financial and moral needs were so urgent that the Government could not begin too soon to reduce expenditure. Britain was entitled to count on the improved AngloGerman feeling. Besides, Germany had accepted the ratio of 15 ships to 10. The whole outburst of naval expenditure was due to Britain creating greater ships. If Britain reduced her armaments, other nations would follow.

CHANCELLOR'S REMARKS.

FRENCH PAPERS UNEASY.

Paris, January 7.

The French newspapers comment in pessimistic fashion on Mr. Lloyd George's remarks concerning the extravagant expenditure on armaments.

M. Clemenceau, the ex-Premier, in an article in his paper, L'Homme Libre, contrasts the official organisation of Germany with that of Britain, and pictures the diplomacy which leads Mr. Lloyd George to begin preparations for national defeat when everything points to Turkey assuming the offensive under the guidance of Germany.

CANADIAN DREADNOUGHTS.

THE COMING PROPOSALS.

Ottawa, January 7.

The naval proposals for the coming session are being drafted by the Prime Minister (Mr. R. L. Borden)-

The scheme providing £7,000,000 for the construction of three battleships will not be abandoned. The suggestion that a plebiscite should be taken on the question of naval policy is not favoured by the Cabinet.

NEW KILLING MACHINE.

LAST WORD IN DESTROYERS.

Philadelphia, January 1.

The latest word in destroyers as a part of the naval armament race of the nations is the new twin-screw vessel of war, Parker, the largest of her class on the oceans of the world. She is called "a destroyer of destroyers." The new ship has been formally handed over to the Government by the builders.

HOW TO ENSURE PEACE.

SHAW'S ORIGINAL IDEA.

London, January 2.

An afticle on how to secure peace in Europe is contributed by Mr. G. B. Shaw to the Evening News. As usual, he is quite original. He suggests that if either France or Germany start a fight Great Britain should stand in with the attacked side, no matter which it is.