NAVAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

Southland Times, Issue 23408, 15 January 1938, Page 5

NAVAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

Cruise By American

Vessels

CALL AT SINGAPORE ON RETURN VOYAGE

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received January 14, 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 13. It is announced that the cruiser squadron attending the New South Wales sesqui centennial celebrations will remain at Sydney only three days, after which the light cruisers will go to Singapore. The Louisville will remain in Australian waters for several weeks and in response to an official invitation from the local Governments will visit Melbourne, Adelaide, Auckland and possibly Hobart, after which she will proceed home via Tahiti. Speculation has arisen whether the cruisers, after their visit to Singapore, will remain in Asiatic waters for the duration of the Far Eastern crisis, especially in view of the indirect way by which both State Department officials and naval chiefs announced their decision in the matter.

Although the British plans for a celebration at Singapore were known for several weeks, there was no hint of sending American cruisers, which- was first announced when they departed for Australia. While naval officials at the time said there was insufficient time for the cruisers to visit Singapore because they must return home in time to participate in manoeuvres, it is noteworthy that twice recently both the State Department and high naval officials drafted plans for naval reinforcements in China, but the President (Mr Roosevelt) vetoed them. CALL AT AUCKLAND EXPECTED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 14. No advice has been received by the Government that the four United States cruisers, are to visit New Zealand in February, the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) stated in reply to an inquiry today. A message from Auckland this week reported that the Louisville, the Trenton, the Memphis and the Milwaukee, after representing the United States at the 150th anniversary celebrations of Australia, would arrive at Auckland on February 17.