BRITAIN'S RETORT TO GERMANY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11340, 2 May 1912, Page 4

BRITAIN'S RETORT TO GERMANY.

From somo romarks of Mr LloydI George, Chancellor of the Exchequer, published yesterday, it is appa* ent I that the British Government, is fully I alive to tho .significance of the proposal in the roceut German Navy Bill to create a third active squadron over and above the present resources of tho Fleet. It will be remembered that when Mr Winston-Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, "introduced the Navy Estimates, ho said that Britain was prepared to outbuild her rival or to join tier in reduciug armaments. "I apprehend," lie said, "'that in 1913 Germany will build three capital ships, and we shall havo to build five. If Germany built none that year sho would save herself between £0,000,000 and £7,000,000. She would also wipe out five potential British Dreadnoughts. That is more than I think she would expect to do in a brilliant naval action." Mr Ohurclnll claimed that ho was suggesting a perfectly plain and simple plan by which, without any diplomatic arrangement, without any bargaining, the present keen and costly rivalry could be at, any time avoided. "It is better, I am sure," ho remarked, "to put it quite frankly to tho Parliaments and tho people to judge for themselves." Germany has not seen fit to take this well-meant advice, although Mr Ohurchili plainly declared that tho Estimates, which had been framed upon the assumption that there would be no increase in the German programme, might havo to be increased should the contrary prove to bo tho case. Accordingly, in opposing a motion to transfer any surplus monies to the sinking funds," Mr Lloyd-George, speaking in. tho Houso of Commons on Tuesday, explained that- Mr Ohurchili had already indicated that Britain's naval expenditure depended on other countries. "If," ho said, "their programme should be, altered, Mr Churchill asked for a 'further expenditure. We do not know what is the present position or what our liabilities are, but they must be faced." However much we may deplore tho necessity for further naval expenditure this year, it is entiroiy satisfactory to know that the Government does hot intend to flinch from its duty in that rospect should the occasion demand, as apparently it does, an increase in ; tho British programme. Meanwhile, ' it is interesting to note that, to some extent, Mr Winston Ohurchili antioi-

pated the German policy by a scheme of_fleet re-organisation which is * full | of significance. It appears, from the j full reports of Mr Churchill's speech, that the Admiralty, presumably' on the advice of the new War. Staff, is preparing to proceed another stage with the concentration of Britain's naval forces in home waters, and at the same time to increase the number of ships in continuous commission. In other words, Germany's proposal to add a division to her High Seas Fleet is being countered m advance. Tho Atlantic Fleet, which has its base at Gibraltar, is to return to the Channel, and become a part of the first line, while tho Mediterranean Fleet will leave Malta and take the vacant station under the shadow of tho great fortress. This arrangement, will make the Atlantic Fleet immediately available for service in the North Sea, in the event of war, and will bring the Mediterranean Fleet within two or three days' steam of the Channel. A portion of the present Reserve is to be placed on a new tooting of efficiency by tho enrolment of 5000 special reservists, who' will <he kept in, training and will be prepared to put to sea at a few hours' notice. Tho complete battle fleet under the scheme will consist of eight squadrons of eight battleships each, with attendant cruisers and destroyers. From all this it is abundantly evident that Groat Britain is not to be caught napping, that in her naval policy she is still stirred to go iv and win in the spirit of tne old song :— "Come, cheer up, my lads! 'Tis to glory we steer, The prize more than all to an Englishman dear; To honour we call you as freemen, not slaves, For who aro so free as tiie sons of the waves? Hearts of oak are our snips, Hearts of oak are our men, Wo always are ready, Steady, boys, steady! We'll fight and we'll conquer again and again.