NO SIGN OF A CRISIS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15956, 27 October 1919, Page 3

NO SIGN OF A CRISIS.

BRITAIN PREPARING FOB EMERGENCY.

LONDON, October 34. The Australian Press Association interviewed a big naval authority, who stated that Lord Jellicoe’s proposals show that Lord Jellicoe emphasises that the centre of naval gravity has moved from tile North Sea to the Pacific. Lord Jellicoe is .speaking for the Admiralty when he recommends an enormous immediate increase in the Far Eastern fleet. It only remains for the Dominions to acquiesce and apportion the expense. Whatever difficulties may arise thereanent, there can never bo any question of Britain failing to ensure the Dominions most adequate protection from any menace in the Pacific. There is no sign of any crisis on the horizon. Nothing can occur, at any rate, until the Anglo-Japanese Treaty comes up for revision in 1921. It is hoped a satisfactory arrangement will be reached for smoothing a possible dashing of trade interests, which is likely to be a source of trouble. Lord Jellicoe’s report clearly indicates that Britain does not contemplate any redaction in naval armaments in tho near future, holding that the League of Nations has not yet become fully operative, and while tho international situation remains as at present the clause providing for reduction of armaments must be waived. An important point is that an entire fleet as Lord Jellicoe proposes can bo despatched forthwith to the Pacific, where adequate bases exist, without imperilling the situation in tho Northern Hemisphere. Britain would have to supply the biggest vessels for many years, also to send smaller warships ponding development of Dominion shipbuilding. The establishment of suck an immense fleet in the Pacific in the near future will involve a building programme for Britain, extending over a number of years, to replace tho Pacific ships.” The authority recalls that no Imperial Naval Conference has been held since 1912. It is imperative that such a conference should bo summoned immediately. Lord Jellicoe will complete his tour iu May.