THE BRITISH NAVY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 26, 13 January 1912, Page 7

THE BRITISH NAVY.

“THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION.”

Referring to the recent changes in the composition of the Admiralty Board, “The Times” of November 29 stated:—That there will he much speculation as to the changes of policy which may follow upon the establishment of the new Board is only natural. As everyone is aware, Mr. Churchill has already made it clear that he hopes, like his predecessor, to be able to effect some reduction of the Esti--mates. What we are concerned to learn is the way in which the reduction can be carried out without lessening the margin of safety. As to the ■shipbuilding programme also, if there are to be comparatively few battleships, there will be a demand for more cruisers and torpedo craft, while a further development in design would only bo in accordance with the practice of the progressive Boards of Admiralty of the last few years. The columns of “The Times” hear testimony on any occasion of the launch of a new ship, to the enormous'advances in gun power, in speed, and in other matters which have succeeded one another with each year’s programme. It may be hoped, however, as it is surely expected, that in regard to naval policy the most marked departure of Mi Churchill’s new Board will be towards the reconstitution on larger, broader, -and more permanent lines of a Naval War Staff'—a staff from which the naval members of the Board and flag of- . fleers and their staffs at sea may be inspected to derive common benefit. TuiSj in the opinion of many high .authorities, is the most important quest'on with which Mr, Churchill has to deal. In this journal we have not hesitated to urge for years past that, until it has been supplied, there can, bo no assurance of undiminished fight-ing-efficiency in the fl,eet, and .instant readiness for the final test, t That on, some of the most difficult, prqbjems of naval strategy differences of professional opinion- exist is known to all. The first step to harmony must he looked for in the educational work c a War Staff with very wide advisory powers. It is quite true that mucr of the machinery of a staff is at present in existence. There is little or no thing to create, but very much indeed to develop and extend. Here, then, is the opportunity for a Shar'd which; posseses in a high degree the qualities of energy, unity/ and progress, and whose efforts the nation will confidently hope may be crowned with success.