NAVAL DEFENCE OF PACIFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17293, 17 October 1919, Page 9

NAVAL DEFENCE OF PACIFIC

A NEW ZEALAND DIVISION. THREE CRUISERS AND SMALL GRAFT SEVEN - YEAR PROGRAMME. COST NEARLY £1,000,000 A YEAR Proposals for the defence of British interests in th* Pacific are outlined by Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Jellicoe in his report to the New Zealand Government, which was presented to Parliament yesterday. Lord Jellicoe contemplates a more equitable burton between Britain and the Dominions of the cost of the Royal Navy, and proposes that the fleet for Far Eastern waters should be maintained by Britain, Australia, and New Zealand in the respective proportions of 75 per cent., 20 per cent., and 5 per ceut. The cost of the Atlantic Fleet will be borne by Britain, Canada, and South Africa. The establishment of a New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy "is proposed. It is to comprise three light cruisers, six destroyers, six submarines, a submarine parent ship, and a small naval air force. In addition, eight old destroyers, 118 mine sweeping trawlers, snd four boom defence ships arc required for harbour defence. Lord Jellicoe advises the Initiation next year of the scheme with one cruiser and six submarines, with additions daring the following years, till the lull strength of the proposed division is attained in 1926. He states that the original vessels will be provided by the Imperial Government, and. as they become obsolete, should be replaced by New Zealand. The anauai cost to New Zealand is estimated at £981,885.