AMERICA’S NAVAL POLICY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18791, 29 May 1923, Page 9

AMERICA’S NAVAL POLICY

BATTLESHIP THE BASIS. WASHINGTON, May 27. The general board of the Navy, after an exhaustive examination of all the elements of sea power, as affected by the aeroplanes, has declared that despite the development of aviation, the battleship is still the backbone of the modern fleet. The board will recommend Congressional appropriation for new 10,000-ton cruisers—probably twenty-two—as well as mine-laying and scout submarines—twelve each. Secretary of the Navy Denby, addressing graduates from the naval academy at Newport, Rhode 'lsland, said: “It is the day when naval strength is vitally necessary. We know now, beyond peradventure, that war between the great powers will always involve other nations, and we cannot say that war of this nature may not come at any time. There is no need for excessive armament and we do not ask for a great increase in the Navy Department bynext Congress, but we shall ask for the increase in cruisers allowed under the naval treaty, and for submarines, aeroplanes and light draught gunboats. What we have must also be in constant readiness for effective use.”