GREAT POWERS' NAVIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18694, 28 April 1924, Page 7

GREAT POWERS' NAVIES.

POSITION OF AMERICA. INFERIORITY TO JAPAN. EXPERTS' FIGURES CORRECT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright 'Received 11.35 p.m.) A. and N.Z. WASHINGTON. April 26. The U.S. Navy Department officials confirm the statements contained in the analysis of the naval power of America, Britain and Japan, made by Mr. William Shearer, formerly the SDecial expert cmployed by the Xav v Department. Mr. Shearer asserted that- the ratio 5 5—3 no longer exists; that, both Britain and Japan surpass the United States in armament, range of guns, quality and strength of craise:-s and submarines, and nuantity of oil fuel. He said that the United States would be unable to fight one week upon her present oil reserves, and declared that Japan outranks the United States and Britain in the excellence of her naval bases. Mr. Shearer also stated that Japan has many secret bases, while the United States has Naval Yards, but no bases. The naval officials declare that they are unable, without great technical inquiry, to determine the truth of Mr. Shearer's charges. The naval ratio is now with the. United States holding the last position.. They admit the truth of Mr. Shearer's other charges, however, declaring that his detailed figures showing American inferiority in gun elevation, auxiliary craft strength, etc., are absolutely correct.