THE BRITISH NAVY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9417, 13 April 1909, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

United Press Association—By Elec trio Telegraph—Copyright. Berlin, April 10,

The newspaper Yorwarts warns the majority in the Reichstag that unless an agreement with Britain on naval armaments is reached, there will be a fearfnl disaster sooner or later.

The Vossische Zeitung says that reasonable Germans are aware that, owing to her colonies and commerce, Britain is bound to have, and will have a superior navy. London, April 10, The Spectator reports that the Austrian Dreadnoughts will possibly be completed in 1911. In any event, they will cause the withdrawal from the British North Sea fleet of four Dreadnoughts for permanent station in fhe Mediterranean. The Times, which has hitherto been a consistent supporter of the regiipe of Admiral Sir John Fisher, First Sea Lord cf the Admiralty, alleges in a long article that he has made the Admiralty a one-man Department, and has thus prevented continuity of naval policy. DEFENCE OF THE ADMIR ALTY. Received April 13, 8.20 a.m. London, April 12. The Times publishes a long special article defending the existing Admiralty system and Admiral Fisher. * AN ENQUIRY PROPOSED. Mr Asquith has promised carefully to consider a letter wherein Mr Bellairs, M.P., and several peers and members of the House of Comorans suggest an inquiry into the scope and effects of changes in the Navy oaring the last forty years. They suggest that witnesses should have a guarantee that their testimony will be treated as confidential and not affecting their promotion. The letter urges that it is better to have an inquiry before a crisis than after as in the case of the Army after the Boer War.