NEXT GREAT WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18991, 12 October 1923, Page 8

NEXT GREAT WAR

SHIPS OR AEROPLANES? TWO RIVAL SCHOOLS. In a loading article the Manchester Guardian says that the British nation, which is dependent on sea power, is not in a position to take risks. If another war were fought now ,it would ho determined by the possession of the best and most numerous capital ships. “Accordingly,” says the paper, “wemaintain a fleet of these as strong as that of any Power. At the same time, since it is impossible to sot a limit to the march of any engine of destruction, wo are driven to devote money and brains to the development of the very aircraft which, more and more, make capital ships obsolete. “An American seaplane won the Schneider Cup, averaging 177 miles an hour, after already Qualifying by taxiing more than a mile at sea and lying six hours moored to a buoy. What will be the effect of such a weapon in naval warfaro?_ To get the measure of the change that is coming it is necessary to consider the threat that w'ar with France would bring to British naval bases in the channel and Mediterranean and ships based therein. “Comparatively narrow waters like tno North Sea and Mediterranean are highly favourable to the seaplane. In an action near their own coasts and bases an air fleet could go raiding on carriers which would be the fastest thing afloat. Probably the first stage of another war would consist of a struggle for air supremacy. The strength of the aeroplane lies, not on! in speed, but in the quickness with whicn it can bo manufactured and the ease with which it can bo concealed. “Ur supremacy is not likely to be as definite or permanent as supremacy of the sea. In the past we have sacrificed enormous sums on experimenting and scrapping surface ships. It is now possible to experiment, for means of offence and defence, comparatively cheaply. There is less reason, therefore, for neglecting new but elementary conditions for safety on the sea.”