JAPAN’S SUPERSHIP.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15128, 24 January 1917, Page 5

JAPAN’S SUPERSHIP.

Japan is building a larger, more powerful and swifter battleship than any built dr planned for the American Navy, Eear Admiral Badger, of the General Board, told the House Naval Committee, explaining the Board’s recommendations for larger ships in the 1918 programme. The Japanese ship, he said, vvill have a main battery of twelve 15in guns against twelve Min on American vessels now building, and eight 16in for ships authorised last year. The characteristics of battleships • proposed by the General Board, Admiral Badger said, called for twelve 16in' guns, a speed of 23 knots and a displacement of 40,000 tons. The tendency abroad, he said, is toward heavier, stronger, faster snips, and the navy must keep abreast of that movement.