NAVY IN THE WAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 7

NAVY IN THE WAR

ERRONEOUS BELIEFS. TRIBUTES TO JAPANESE. LONDON, June 25. The final volume of the “Official History of the Naval Operations” reveals that the Ostend and Zebrugge raids were not nearly as successful as believed. Of 115 shells fired at Ostend only 16 landed near the targets, inflicting easily repairable damage. The belief that the Zebrugge raid effectively bottled up the Gormans was quite erroneous, for within a few days Ul6 went to sea past the block ships. The Official History pays a tribute to the Japanese and their destroyers in the Mediterranean, which spent 72 per cent, of their time at sea, compared with tho British 60 per cent, and the French and Italian 45 per cent. BUILDING PROGRAMME. FIRST LORD’S STATEMENT. [British Official Wireless.] RUGBY, June 24. The First Lord of tho Admiralty (Mr A. V. Alexendcr), replying to a question in the House of Commons, said the cruiser and destroyer building programme had been continually under consideration throughout the FrancoItalian negotiations. As it was hoped that; an opportunity might soon rise for continuing those negotiations, the Government did not consider that tho situation warranted any increase in the building programme approved by Parliament. MR MELLON VISITS PARIS. OPTIMISM IN LONDON. [British Official Wireless.] RUGBY, Juno 25. Mr A. W. Mellon left for Paris today. He declined to discuss the purpose of his mission, but the newspapers anticipate that he will discuss with the authorities details in connection with the French reservation to President Hoover’s proposals, which are due to take effect on Wednesday. Mr Mellon may visit Berlin after Paris. The general acceptance in principle of President Hoover’s proposals has had a tonic effect on the business community. There vas an optimistic tone on the London Stock Exchange to-day and active trading in British funds. An increase in public, inquiry for industrial shares was a feature of the market. __