AMERICA'S NAVY.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15999, 30 May 1924, Page 7

AMERICA'S NAVY.

THE APPROPRIATION BILL. PROPOSED BUILDING PROGRAMME. CONFERENCE TO RE CALLED. (Australian .-mi N.Z. Cabin Assn.) WASHINGTON. May 28. Tim House of Representatives lias passed Mm Naval Appropriation Rill, which is designed to bring the United States Navy to the o—,"> —ratio Jixed by ttic Washington Conference. The measure authorises the construction of eight scout cruisers 'and six river gunboats, besides extensive improvements to six battleships. An amendment was accepted by the House authorising dho President to suspend 'the building programme should another Naval Armaments Limitation Conference be held.

Of the total appropriation it is proposed to use 8,360,000 dollars for the conversion of the battleships New York, Texas, Florida. Utah, Kansas, and Wyoming to oil-burners, and for the installation of additional protective devices against submarines and areoplanes. Tne proposed cruisers will be of 10,000 tons displacement, and will cost 11.100,000 dollars each, without their armour.

The House rejected an amendment to authorise the appropriation of 6,500,000 dollars to elevate the guns on 13 battleships, by 74 votes to 5-i. The President, Mr Calvin Coolidge, has signed the bill. It contains a provision authorising him to call another conference on the limitation of naval armaments.

The bill carries the smallest annual appropriations for the navy since the European War. It authorises 294,000.000 dollars, as compared with 330.000,000 dollars appropriated last year.