ECONOMY" CAMPAIGN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15748, 13 February 1922, Page 3

ECONOMY" CAMPAIGN.

COMMENTS ON THE! REPORT

Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.! LONDON, Feb. 11 . The Admiralty’s publication df a lengthy memorandum disputing the accuracy of' the Geddcs report instead of presenting the memorandum to Cabinet has astonished political circles, including Cabinet Ministers. The matter will be raised in Parliament. The Admiralty, commenting on the Geddes report, says: “The major recommendations are based on a serious misconception of the character and requirements of naval organisation gained in war experience. A careful analysis of the recommendations show that they would not achieve a reduction *of more than fourteen millions. The Admiralty considers the Committee’s methods of dealing with figures particularly dangerous when the adequacy of the naval strength is at stake.” The Overseas Trade Department charges the Geddes Committee with failure to consult commercial representatives regarding the usefulness of a. department which was created as the result of a persistent demand in favor of mitigating German pre-war methods. It claims that it is illogical to imdertake the risk of credits amounting to fifty-one millions and then close a responsible department in order to save £IOO,OOO yearly. (Received February 13. 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, February 12. Colonel Amery accepts responsibility for the publication of the Admiralty’s reply to the Geddes’ committee’s report, which “is gravely misleading and dangerous in many respects. It was necessary to issue a definito correction immediately.” It is stated .unofficially that Lord Beatty was mainly responsible also for a publication simultaneously with the Geddes’ report without asking the consent of Cabinet, which would have been refused.