BRITISH NAVY

Wairarapa Daily Times, 1 March 1934, Page 5

BRITISH NAVY

“EDGE OF INSECURITY” STRENGTH MUST BE RESTORED. Press Association Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, Wednesday. Declaring that Britain must restore her defence forces as she had restored her national credit, Earl Beatty, speaking at the City Carlton Club, said that the three main tasks necessary to correct the unfortunate situation by which they were reduced to the edge of insecurity were:— (1) To resist further alteration of existing ratios of naval strength detrimental to the country. (2) To increase cruisers, which were far below the minimum necessary for security, especially in view of FrancoItalian increases. (3) The replacement of the battleships postponed under the treaty till 1937. The “Morning Post,” in a leader, points out that Britain faces the prospect of inferiority in naval power, and adds: “If this nation wants to be sure of its existence, it must put its defences right and give up the folly of believing that it can make itself safe by disarmament treaties and the League of Nations.” NAVIES COMPARED. LONDON, Wednesday. The Admiralty’s annual return of fleets reveals that the new British submarines, the Severn and Clyde, now cruisers are attaining 361 knots, Japan’s attaining 22J knots on the surface. Italy is still building the fastest cruisers, attaining 361 knots. Japan’s new cruisers are designed for 36 knots. The speed of the newest British cruisers is not disclosed.