TWICE AS LARGE AS IN 1914

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20606, 21 December 1936, Page 9

TWICE AS LARGE AS IN 1914

GERMANY’S NAVAL STRENGTH POWERFUL FLEET OF SUBMARINES BIGGER SURFACE CRAFT BEING BUILT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 20, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 19. The Naval Year Book, published in Berlin, shows that early in 1937 Germany will possess a submarine fleet about twice as large as that of 1914. The submarines completed or ready in the spring will consist of twenty-four 250-tonners, ten 500-tonners and two of 712 tons, although U 18, which was recently sunk, must be deducted. The surface vessels being constructed include one 35.000 ton battleship, two 26,000 ton battleships, two aeroplane carriers, three 10.000 ton cruisers, six destroyers, and twelve torpedo boats. All are being built under the AngloGerman Naval Agreement. The 250 ton submarines have three torpedo tubes and a crew of 25; the 500 tonners have five torpedo tubes, one 8.8 centimetre gun, and a crew of 35; while the largest submarines have six torpedo tubes, one 10.5 gun and a crew of 40.

BIGGER BATTLESHIPS FOR OTHER POWERS BRITAIN AND AMERICA ACTIVE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received December 20, 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, December 19. Plans for the construction of two battleships are being discussed by President Roosevelt and the Cabinet, following the announcement from London yesterday that Britain will invite bids for new capital ships of any definition. The United States Government's policy will be withheld until January 1. in accordance with the naval treaties.

CO-ORDINATION OF DEFENCES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN FRANCE United Press Association—By E’ectrlc Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 20, 7.30 p.m.) PARIS, December 20, The French Minister of Defence (M. Daladier), in the Senate, announced the drawing up of a programme for better co-ordination in defence, including industrial mobilisation, compulsory military training of the youth, paying especial attention to the strategic roads, the petrol supply and home-made substitutes for commodities which are usually imported.

MORE MEN UNDER ARMS EXTENSION OF MILITARY SERVICE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright (Received December 20, 7.30 p.m.) THE HAJrUE, December 20. A Bill is being prepared to increase the annual levy (at present 19,500 men) probably to 32,000, and prolonging the first training period (hitherto five and a half months) to one year. The Government explains that It is essential to have a trained force permanently under arms, to resist surprise attacks.