THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY
SIR EARLE PAGE'S IDEA BATTLESHIPS FROM AMERICA SYDNEY, Aug. 8. (Received Aug. 9, at 0.45 a.m.) Sir Earle Page proposed that Australia should purchase immediately two battleships from America, which should be based either at Singapore or the new naval dock at Sydney. This bring the cost of the Commonwealth defence programme to £100,000,000. The Prime Minister, commenting on the proposal, said it was not practicable. He added: "The Government is not obliged to subordinate its considered judgment to the effervescent enthusi'am of Sir Earle Page." AMERICA'S ATTITUDE UNLIKELY TO SELL SHIPS WASHINGTON, Aug. 8. (Received Aug. 9, at 1 a.m.) Sir Earle Page's proposal aroused interest. Official comment is not yet available, but it is believed that the United States' own requirements would not allow her to sell units of the existing fleet. Congress is unlikely to regard favourably the proposal to build ships for Australia, as the Government dockyards are jammed by the greatest peace time naval construction programme in United States history. This was an objection when a Bill was tabled last session seeking approval of the construction of warships for the South American republics.'
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Otago Daily Times, Issue 23882, 9 August 1939, Page 9
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191THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY Otago Daily Times, Issue 23882, 9 August 1939, Page 9
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