NAVAL POLICY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16680, 1 March 1920, Page 5

NAVAL POLICY.

EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT LIKELY. Cabinet has been considering naval defence in the light, of Admiral J ellicoe’s report, ana an interesting announcement may be expected next week. New Zealand’s annual, appropriation. for naval defence is £IOO,OOO, but Admiral Jellico® suggested that tho New Zealand division of- the Far Eastern fleet, should comprise three light cruisers, six submarines, a submarine parent ehix) and a naval air school. The annual cost was-estimat-ed to be £057,100- in tho first year, rising to £1,166,100 in five years. The Government is disinclined to accept the whole programme immediately owing to the heavy financial obligations arising out of the war and the need for making up leeway in public works and housing, therefore it proposes to' adopt a portion of the scheme as an instalment. Its plans are well in shape and part of the ultimate programme is almost ready for announcement. There is necessity to co-ordinate land defence with the naval scheme, while provision must be made for training New Zealanders for tho navy. On the aviation side the Government is not prepared at tho present juncture to launch out upon a comprehensive scheme. It will for a time rely on war trained aviators in tho Dominion, plus tho development of postal aviation on modest lines. Finance is the great controlling factor, and the Government in accepting an instalment-of Admiral Jellicoc’s jolicy has kept this well in mind.