INCREASING SEA POWER

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1927, Page 7

INCREASING SEA POWER

EXPANSIONS OF BUDGETS IS DISARMAMENT IGNORED? THE NATIONS’ PROGRAMMES By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Nov. 14. The naval correspondent of tire Daily News writes. "Despite the growing demand for disarmament the naval Budgets of the Great Powers are expanding, and 1928 will witness a marked increase. It is expected that Britain’s new construction will necessitate an increase of the building expenditure, at present £110.723,009, to £120,650,000. "The United States Budget in 1927 is £64,650,000, and will reach £70,000,000 in 1928 to enable the carrying out of the big. cruiser programme. “The Japanese Budget of £26,4.83,000 shows an increase of £843,000, despite the claim that she is desirous of reducing expenditure. The increase is due to the new programme of four large cruisers, fifteen destroyers, and four submarines.

"France’s programme includes 57 torpedo boats and 55 submarines. “Italy’ is aiming to command the Eastern Mediterranean, and her programme for 1928 covers four cruisers, twelve scouts, six submarines, and the development of bases in Sicily and Sardinia.

"Germany is building cruisers of exceptionally big fighting power, while Russia and Spain are developing submarines. The navy programmes of Greece, Roumania, Turkey, Jugo-Slavia, ami the South American Republics show expenditure on a relatively large scale.”