WORLD’S NAVIES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8558, 22 October 1913, Page 7

WORLD’S NAVIES

EXPENDITURE IN 1913-14-FIGURES IN PARLIAMENTARY PAPER. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Climes —Sydney ’Snn" Special Cables.) LONDON, October 20. A Parliamentary paper has been published showing the naval expenditure of tho eight principal Powers in 1913-1914. Tho figures aro:

MR CHURCHILL’S SPEECHES. ADVISED TO TAKE A HOLIDAY. BERLIN, October 20. Count Von Reventlow, the wellknown writer on naval affairs, in an article in the “ Tages Zoitung,” advises Mr Churchill to take a year’s holiday from speech-making. A repetition of tho naval-holiday notion aggravates instead of improves AngloGerman relations, adds the writer. MR CHURCHILL’S OFFER. “DOMINIONS MUST BE CONSIDERED.” By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Timee—Sydney "Sun’’ Special Cables.) (Received October 21, 6.55 p.m.) LONDON, October 21: A correspondent of “Tho Times,” referring to Mr Churchill’s offer to Germany, says that apart from tho effect tho arrangement would have upon tho Continent, the Dominions have to bo considered. The general tone of tho letter inquires what will Australia and New Zealand say? The proposal, says the correspondent, seems impracticable and Utopian. “The Times,” in a leader, says the proposal is impossible because it would not prevent Germany from spending money on minor warships and submarines. Franco would feel that it would not prevent Germany from spending money on new and costly increases on her army. American papers _ approve of Mr Churchill’s suggestions, and * declare that after this proof of friendship it is only fair that Germany should take the next step.

“RUINOUS AND SENSELESS ■COMPETITION.” “OFFENSIVE ORATORICAL INTERFERENCE.” (Received October 21, 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 21. The “Daily Mail’s” Berlin correspondent states that the highest quarters strongly oppose Mr Churchill’s proposals. The “Berliner Tageblatt ”, approves of Mr Churchill’s plausible offer as a simple means of checking the ruinous and senseless competition in armaments, but states that there must be entire equality. There must be no Canadian Dreadnoughts, nor must Britain build against Austria and Italy. The “ Morgenpoat ” also approves. The “ Lokal Anzieger ” is uncompromisingly hostile, and other newspapers ■ suggest that tho whole proposal. is a trick, and that the British shipyards are behind with their contracts, while the German yards have not enough to do. Tlie “Dreuz Zeitung” says that if the English cherish a desire for a sincere political agreement they should forbid Mr Churchill's offensive oratorical interference in German domes, tie affairs. The “ Taeglische Rundschau ” says that the 1914 Navy Estimates will bo twenty-three millions sterling. The Admiralty recommends a debate on the immediate introduction of oilfuel on new warships, and calls attention to tho recent launching of the Queen Elizabeth. CANADA AND THE NAVAL QUESTION. (Received October 21, 8.40 p.m.) OTTAWA, October 21. Tho Government denies that Mr G. H. Perley, a Minister Without Portfolio, is going to consult the Admiralty on the naval question. It is stated that his visit to London is purely personal.

£ Personnel. Britain 47,021,636 146,000 France 20,847,763 24,294,454 63,596 Russia 52,463 Germany 23,039,194 73,176 Italy _ Austria - Hun10,157,846 37,095 gary 6,006,351 19,091 United States 29,493,867 67,907 Japan 9,860,912 —