THE BIG NAVY

Southland Times, Issue 20642, 14 November 1928, Page 7

THE BIG NAVY

AMERICAN PROPOSALS COOLIDGE-HOOVER FOREIGN POLICY SEEKING PEACE, BUT PREPARING FOR WAR (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright' (Rec. 7.20 p.m.) Washington, November 12. The General Navy Board to-day issued a statement of policy approved by Mr Wilbur, Secretary tor the Navy, calling for an American Navy second to none “maintained in sufficient strength to support the United States’ policies of commerce and guard Continental and overseas possessions.’ The statement asks for the construction of cruisers exclusively of the 10,000-ton type armed with eight-inch guns and the application of the 5-5-3 capital ship ratio of the Washington Treaty to auxiliaries. The statement takes on greater emphasis from the fact that it is published the day following President Coolidge’s speech favouring more 10,000-ton cruisers. It is expected to have an important influence on Congress when the 274,000,000-dollar Bdl tor building 15 10,000-ton cruisers and one airplane carrier now pending in the Senate is taken up when that body meets next month. The statement asserts that the fleet should be well balanced and should be kept at top efficiency through an active programme of replacement. The statement is definitely against building small cruisers. Three general statements in the Navy Board policy are particularly interesting: “(1) To ensure the strength of the navy for exercising ocean-wide control of the seas with particular reference to the protection of American interests on overseas and coastwise commerce.” “(2) To cultivate friendly and sympathetic relations with the whole world by foreign cruises.” “(3) To support in every possible way American interests, especially the expansion and development of American foreign commerce and merchant marine.” President Coolidge’s speech has met with a mixed reception throughout the United States. Partisian newspapers strongly commend its point of view, others, while not quarrelling with his subject matter, declare that his manner is likely to give offence. Some newspapers declare that it will give an impetus to the first proposed billion dollar programme.

Public men are divided in ‘ expressions of their opinion according to previously expressed points of view. For instance, Mr Nicholas Murray Cutler declared: “Navy expansion would be a travesty.” Now he says: “The new peace pact renders it unnecessary unless all men are liars.” The Washington correspondent of the New York World states: It is reported on good authority that Mr Hoover, in his first message to Congress, will advocate President Coolidge’s large naval programme. He is, however, expected to call a new conference for (he limitation of armaments on land and sea shortly after inauguration unless the initiative is taken by some European Government. President Coolidge and Mr Hoover are walking hand in hand in view of establishing the United States’ foreign policy which is, “Walk gently, but carry a big stick,” searching for ways of peace by being prepared for war.—Australian Press Association. On December 14 last Mr Wilbur transmitted to Congress a naval building programme providing for 71 new vessels, costing nearly 800.000,000 dollars, together with a letter stating that this programme is not in conflict with the financial programme of the President. The programme provides for 25 light cruisers, nine destroyer leaders, 32 submarines and five aircraft carriers. No time limit Is provided for construction, but under the terms of the Bill the construction of light cruisers and aircraft carriers is subject to Washington Treaty. The President is empowered in the Bill to suspend the programme wholly or partly at his discretion. Mr Wilbur explained that the estimated cost was merely speculative, but submitted a schedule totalling 720.000,000 dollars. The estimates were as follows: Light cruisers, 17,000.000 dollar* each; destroyer leaders, 5.000.000 dollars each; submarines, 5.000.000 dollars each : aircraft carriers, 19,000,000 dollars each. This was the largest Navy programme submitted since 1916.