BRITISH CABINET’S PROBLEM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19364, 22 July 1925, Page 5

BRITISH CABINET’S PROBLEM

DANGER OF A SPLIT | NAVAL BUILDING QUESTION ! By Telegraph Per Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Julv 21, 8.35 p.m. LONDON, July 21. •The Morning Post’s political correspondent says: Air Churchill is reported ito be stubborn against laying down more than two cruisers this year, and ' 2—3 next year. It is generally believed 'that if he is supported by Air Baldwin [the resignations of the Hon. W. C. Bridgeman and the Board of Admiralty [ will follow. The Post in an editorial pleaded “Plot in Cabinet,’’ says: It I is impossible to suppose that either Mr Churchill or his allies care very much I whether 5 or 50 cruisers, or none, are | ordered, but if Mr Bridgeman can be I forced to resign the credit of Air Baldl win’s Ministry would receive a deadly I blow, and events might be so guided that Mr Baldwin himself would resign. in which case, a coalition would again be forced on the country. The Post editorially expressed the opinion that Baldwin will uphold Air Bridgeman. The Prime Afinistcr cannot possibly contemplate a dangerous weakening of the navy.

ADMIRALTY MAY RESIGN

CABINET STANDING FIRM. Received Julv 21, 7.55 p.m. LONDON, July 20. The Daily Express lobbyist says the Admiralty have sprung a surprise on the Government by premeptorily demanding that four cruisers be laid down immediately as a minimum. A Cabinet meeting was postponed, and Air Baldwin is using his strongest efforts to arrange a compromise with the Sea Lords who. in effect, told the Government: “If they do not give us these ships they must relieve us of part of our responsibility. Without them we cannot guard the Empire.’’ It. seemed clear to-night that the Cabinet did not intend to give in to the Admiralty. Mr Churchill, in fighting against the increased expenditure, has all the old Tories against him but the young Conservatives who support economy would even welcome the. Admiralty resignations on the ground that real naval economy is impossible under the present regime.