NEW BATTLESHIPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23078, 1 July 1938, Page 11

NEW BATTLESHIPS

POWEBS' AGREEMENT INCREASED TONNAGES CONCESSION TO AMERICA WORLD'S LARGEST VESSELS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, June 29 Under the new agreement about capital ships shortly to be announced, Britain, for the first time in history, will no longer possess the world's largest battleship. The agreement, involving the invocntors of the escalator clause of the London Naval Treaty, 1936, is the result of Japan's non-adherence to the clauses of the treaty. It provides that America can buihl vessels of 45,000 tons, Britain 42,000 and France 35,000. France's limit is conditional upon no European country, excepting Britain, exceeding this limit. -VII the Powers agree to a 16in. gun limit. It is expected that Kussia, Germany and Italy will ultimately subscribe to these terms. Britain's concession to America is the sequel to the development of AngloUnited States relations, whicli no longer involve naval rivalry and jealousy. The largest capital ship in the world at present is the British battle-cruiser Hood, of 42,100 t<vns. The five new battleships now building are of 35,000 tons. America's largest battleships are also of 35.000 tons.

BRITISH POLICY CONSULTING DOMINIONS MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S ANSWER "FAMILY FIRESIDE CHATS" (Received June 30, 6.5 p.m.) British "Wireless RUGBY. June 29 The attention of the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, was called in the House of Commons to a recent speech by Mr. It. G. Mcnzies, Australian Attorney-General, advocating consultations between the Governments of the British Commonwealth on foreign affairs, and he was asked if, in agreement with the Dominion Governments, lie would take steps to establish machinery with the view to securing adequate consultation on the main aspects of foreign affairs. Mr. Chamberlain replied: "The House is aware that the principles covering the system of communication and consultation between His Majesty's several Governments on foreign affairs are now well established. The machinery as at present in force has been devised to give full effect to those principles. The present system is being constantly watched and Britain is always ready to consider practical proposals for improving the machinery." Asked if the Dominion Governments would have the opportunity to help to shape British foreign policy and not be asked merely to approve or disapprove of particular aspects of it, Mr. Chamberlain said: "As Mr. Menzies said, I think, in his speech, international events cannot always wait while the family is having chats round the fireside, hut we do take every possible opportunity of keeping the Dominion Governments fully informed of developments in foreign policy."