FUTURE OF THE NAVY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 40, 9 June 1914, Page 5

FUTURE OF THE NAVY.

VARIOUS INTERESTING OPINIONS. (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.! London, June 8. Admiral Sir Francis C. B. Bridgman declares that Admiral Sir Percy Scott’s letter contains nothing new to the Admiralty, except bis advice to immediately reduce the shipbuilding programme and resort to inaccurate and undeveloped weapons. The time has lot arrived for such radical changes, although it may ultimately be reached by future developments.

Lord Sydenham considers that Admiral Scott’s theory is a fantastic dream. He emphasises that aeroplanes are useless for scouting or assisting submarines at night time or in fogs and storms. The submarine is very vulnerable on the surface, while, when .vholly submerged, navigation is difficult and dangerous. Mr John Leyland, editor of the newspaper, The Navy, considers that ,ve must hasten slowly along Admiral Scott’s pathway, awaiting developments. He forsees that the size ot submarines will increase until the dimensions of a submarine battleship are attained.

Sir Phillip Watts, formerly Director of Naval Construction to the Admiralty, declares that half of the submarines’ power for harm is their invisibility, but they could not attack at night without a searchlight, which .vould indicate their position.

The Berliner urges Admiral Scott to endeavor to convince his own countrymen, and adds that Germany does rot follow Britain’s example but will gratefully inherit the supremacy of the sea which would then be hers without a struggle.