COMMAND OF THE SEA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23880, 3 February 1941, Page 9

COMMAND OF THE SEA

Sir,—H.M.S. King George V., which conveyed Lord Halifax to the U.S.A., is the forerunner of five of these 35.000ton ships, and in the same programme are four 40.000-tonners of the lion class, three battlecruisers, 19 cruisers, six aircraft-carriers, etc. This was provided for in Mr. Neville Chamberlain's huge rearmament policy initiated in 1937. In all some 1,000.000 tons of naval construction was put under way and today. just when we need it, is this naval programme being felt. This explains Mr. Churchill's remark in November when he said "Our Navy must receive the reinforcements of hundreds of vessels begun before the outbreak of war." The Navy in policing the seven seas has a terrible job to do and because of its efficiency and courage trade totalling £1.216.280,021 came into or went out of British home ports during the first nine months of 19-10. This trade is much larger than ever before and one is pleased to note that her exports were up for this period bv over £7 million. Did New Zealand register, any increased imports from Home? On top of these records Hitler says the convoy system is a failure, but surely not for the Motherland. J. H. Beale.