GERMAN NAVY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 13

GERMAN NAVY

EFFECT OF AGREEMENT CLAIM TO NEW VESSELS AN OFFICIAL ESTIMATE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. BERLIN. June 2D The spokesman at the German War Ministry stated to-day that the naval agreement with Britain would not affect the constitution of Germany's military, naval or air forces. The War Ministry remains supreme authority and does not intend to appoint Secretaries of State for each arm as before the war. A writer in the Voelkischer Beobachter, voicing the official view of the agreement, states that Germany is entitled to 183,750 tons of battleships, of which already she possesses three "pocket" battleships, of 10,000 tons each. Also she can build two aircraftcarriers of 20,000 tons, five 10,000ton cruisers, or a larger number of light cruisers.

Germany possesses six Emden type of cruisers and can construct 32,000 tons of new vessels. Germany is also entitled to add to her existing 12 destroyers, of 800 tons each, a fleet not exceeding 43,000 tons. Germany for the present will not exceed 45 per cent of the British submarine flotilla.

QUESTIONS IN COMMONS

MR. EDEN'S MISSION PARIS AND PROBABLY ROME LONDON. June 20 The Prime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, was asked in the House of Commons to-day whether the naval agreement between Britain and Germany, fixing the German naval strength at 35 per cent of the British Navy, was an indication of tho British Government's intention to arrange bilateral agreements with other States on the regulation of armaments. Mr. Baldwin replied: As stated in the first paragraph of the Note which the Foreign Secretary addressed to Hcrr von Ribbentrop on Juno 18, the primary purpose of the conversations with the representatives of the German Government was to prepare the way for holding a general conference on the subject of the limitation of naval armaments. The agreement has been reached furnishing a fixed point of departure for further discussion with other Powers, and does not alter the final object of discussion, namely, the ultimate conclusion of a general naval treaty. Mr. Will Thorne (Labour —Plaistow), asked if the Anglo-German naval agreement did not directly conflict with the Versailles Treaty, and if the agreement between Britain, France and Italy would not have to be revised. Mr. Baldwin demanded notice of the question.

Herr von Ribbentrop called at No. 10 Downing Street to-day and had a long conversation with the Prime Minister. The naval talks were continued at tho Admiralty, and are expected to conclude on Saturday, in which case the German delegation will return to Berlin on Sunday.

The Minister for League of Nations Affairs, Mr. Anthony Eden, called on the Prime Minister before leaving this afternoon for Paris, where he will discuss the Anglo-German naval agreement and other European questions, including proposals for an air pact. The British Government has suggested to the head of the Italian Government that it might be useful if Mr. Eden, after discussions with M. Laval, should go on to Italy to discuss with Signor Mussolini the same questions which will form the subject of his talks in Paris. A reply has been received from Signor Mussolini welcoming the suggestion.