FLEET OF UNITED STATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19712, 11 August 1927, Page 9

FLEET OF UNITED STATES.

BUILDING PROGRAMME. DESCRIPTION AS MODERATE. EXPLANATION BY PRESIDENT. 1 By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received August 10, 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. NEW YORK. Aug. 9. The President, Mr. Coolidge, has approved a shipbuilding programme developed by the Navy Department, which is described as moderate. After a conference with the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Curtis Wilbur, the President to-day explained the position of the United States in regard to naval defence. He intimated that the failure of the Geneva conference must not be made a cause of naval competition. In so far as his influence could be exerted, said Mr. Coolidge, America would continue with her moderate naval building programme. She would complete her five years' building plan to reinforce the fleet and provide the necessary light cruisers and other auxiliary craft. Mr. Coolidge said America would only build what she needed to strengthen the fighting effectiveness of her capital ships. The failure of the Geneva conference would not justify her considering anything beyond her defensive requirements. The President said he believed American sentiment would not support a demand for auxiliary craft to place America on the same relative strength as Britain.