NAVAL BUILDING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19008, 8 May 1924, Page 5

NAVAL BUILDING

THE POWERS’ PROGRAMMES INTERESTING STATISTICS Received May 7, 10.30 p.m. WASHINGTON, May 6. Interesting data concerning the present naval building by the Powers under the provisions of the Washington Treaty will be presented at a Congressional investigation regarding the American navy, whose alleged deterioration President Coolidge is reported to have discounted as erroneous. The data shows that Japan’s programme is the greatest, especially in high-speed light cruisers and destroyers. Britain’s building tonnage is estimated at 116,440, of which 41,000 comprises the above types. The United States has 64,496 tons, of which 45,000 are cruisers. Japan has 178,065 tons, of which 133,00 G are destroyers and cruisers. France has 71,748 tons, of which 54,936 tons are destroyers and cruisers. Italy has only 11,200 tons of destroyers. The main competition involves light cruisers, wherein both Britain and the United States are deficient. Britain is the only Power building dreadnoughts. These figures will be used to convince Congress ox the necessity for appropriating funds to build eight 10,000 ton cruisers.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.