Britain's Navy.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 74, 18 March 1914, Page 5

Britain's Navy.

THE ADMIRALTY’S POLICY.

DISCUSSION ON THE ESTIMATES. * [rst Electric Telegraph—Copyright] I.United Phkbs Association.J (Received 11.5 a.m.) London, March 17. Mr Churchill, in committee on the Estimates, said the Admiralty’s policy as explained in 1912 was unchanged. There was one-third more horsepower in-the fleet than in 1912. The fifteen-inch gun was the best they ever had; it was the most accurate over all ranges, and would he exceptionally long-lived. Britain has ten vessels thus armed, whereas the’ next Naval Power had two.

The Admiralty desired to complete eight squadrons before the next strongest Power completed its organisation. German development had been less rapid than was anticipated in 1912. Three German squadrons were completing at the end of 1914, hut owing to the manning difficulties, the second would be reduced by three ships temporarily. Britain, therefore, had postponed the completion of tne fourth squadron. Every delay on Germany’s part was watched, and our organisation was. only completed ak needed.

Mr Churchill said he anticipated Britain’s next estimates would he substantially below those of 1914/

THE MEDITERRANEAN AND THE PACIFIC.

(Received 12.10 p.m.) London, March 17

Mr Churchill said he was placing eight Dreadnoughts in the Mediterranean at the end of 1915. Two shins of the 1914 programme would ba hastened in construction to compensate for Canada’s delay.’

Regarding the Pacific, lie pointed out that the Japanese alliance secured the safety of Australia and Now Zealand. The situation in the Pacific would he absolutely regulated by the position in European waters. The Admiralty had co-operated loyally in the development of the Australian fleet. The Dominions would be afforded individual local development, which was necessary to maintain keen naval interest and to nrocn-e sacrifices which were necessary to the development of their naval power.