FRANCE’S NAVAL STRENGTH

Southland Times, Issue 24161, 25 June 1940, Page 6

FRANCE’S NAVAL STRENGTH

Great Development

Since 1918

HEAVY BATTLESHIPS VERY MODERN

With the terms of the Franco-Ger-man armistice now known, great: interest is being taken in the fate of the French fleet. The terms of the armistice say that the fleet shall be recalled to port and interned. Developments made in the French Navy during the last few years make it one of the major sea forces in the world. Since the Great War the naval administration in France has been more continuous than in other branches of the services and the strength of the navy has been greatly increased until it is scarcely recognizable compared with that of 30 years, ago. In numbers and quality it is a fine force. France has not gone in for large aircraft carriers, except in one instance, as she believes in each ship carrying its own aircraft. She has many fast cruisers which are more or less replies to the Italian ships and she has concentrated on very large and fast destroyers which are almost light cruisers. The navy includes a great number of large submarines. In the heavy battleship class France has several of the most modern vessels in the world. In the largest class are the Jean Bart, which, it is reported, has been taken to England, and the Richelieu, each of 35,000 tons and carrying eight 15-inch, 15 6-inch and 12 3.9-inch guns. They carry four aircraft and are very fast. They were laid down four years ago. The Dunkerque and Strasbourg are of 26,500 tons and of similarly recent construction with 13-inch armament and a speed of 30 knots. Six other ships of 22,000 tons complete the heavy fleet. There are 19 cruisers of from 5000 to 10,000 tons; two aircraft carriers, the Beam, of 22,000 tons and the Commandant Teste, of 10,000 tons; 73 destroyers; a number of torpedo boats; 90 submarines; and a large number of smaller vessels. BREAK FOR WORKERS IN BRITAIN WOMEN TO WORK ONE OR TWO DAYS A WEEK (Received June 24, 6.30 p.rm) LONDON, June 23. The Minister of Labour (Mt- Ernest Bevin) announced that he has drawn up a plan under which, more women, will work one or two days weekly,; providing a break for regular workers in arms factories and also training women to replace called up men. Schedules are being published under which working hours can' be arranged, to minimize industrial fatigue. The workers’ health is also an important factor. A scheme in which the Football Association and the Council for, Recreative Physical' Training are' cooperating will keep workers fit and pro-, vide initial training for the services.' Twenty-eight football grounds throughout the country will be open every evening from today and the number will be rapidly increased.