NAVAL STRENGTH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 936, 5 December 1933, Page 1

NAVAL STRENGTH.

U.S.A. Initiates Programme of Construction. FORTIFYING DIPLOMACY. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON, December 3. “ We still continue most earnestly to strive for a reduction of armaments among the Powers by agreement on a relative basis,” said Senator C. A Swanson, Secretary for the Navy, in his annual report to the President of the U.S.A. “ The time has come, however, when we can no longer afford to lead in disarmament by example. “ Other Powers have not followed our example, with the result that the United States now finds its relative naval strength seriously impaired.” The Secretary added that of the signatories to the naval treaties the United States alone had not undertaken an orderly' building programme designed to bring its navy to the full force permitted by the agreements. The weakened position of the United States did not serve the cause of peace. It jeopardised it, because a balanced armament fortified diplomacy and was an important element in preserving peace and justice, whereas undue weakness invited aggressive war, breeding violations of one’s rights. President Roosevelt s action in turning over to the Navy 235.000.000 dollars for the construction and equipment of thirty-two new vessels was described by the Secretary as the first step in such a programme.