NAVAL ARMAMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19563, 30 April 1935, Page 5

NAVAL ARMAMENTS

DEFIANCE BY GERMANY.

BREACH OF VERSAILLES TREATY.

SUBMARINES ALREADY AFLUAT.

United Press Asen.—Eloo. Tel. Copyright.

(Received April' 30, 2.0 p.m.)

LONDON, April 29.

It was learned In London tonight that six German submarines, half of those to be built In defiance of the Versailles Treaty, are already afloat, and are complete In every detail. They are fully manned, and are ready to begin manoeuvres at Wllhelmehaven.

HERR HITLER’S DECISION.

ANGER AT LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

ORDER FOR SUBMARINES.

United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyrig'lit, LONDON, April 29.

All the naval experts accept the accuracy of the statement 'that GeLmany is building submarines, lhey discuss tiie signilicance of itThe Berlin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says llerr Hitler’s decision was a sudden one due to anger at the League of Nations’ resolution condemning Germany. The gesture is intended to indicate Germany’s intention to claim autonomy in every aspect of national defence.

Nevertheless, the order for the submarines is an “unofficial” one, as it is not desired that the construction should be interpreted as a challenge to British sea supremacy.

The naval correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says at present Germany is limiting her submarines to those of 250 tons, which can be built in five months, whereas larger types take 18 months to build. -Moreover, numerous small boats will enable the personnel to be trained for a full-scale submarine fleet.

The naval correspondent of the Morning Post states that the new 250ton submarines are of revolutionary design. There is a great saving ill weight owing to the use of hydrogen in conjunction with fuel oil for surface propulsion, and hydrogen and oxygen for submerged propulsion. This eliminates the Weight of electric batteries.

A SECRET BASE. ESTABLISHED IN NORTH SEA. United Press Assn.—‘Elec. Tel. Copyright. PARIS, April 29. The German newspaper Pariser Tageblatt, published in Paris, reports that a German secret naval and aeroplane base has been established on the island of Sylt, in the North SeaThe base has underground aeroplane hangars, massive fortifications and bombproof shelters for long-distance and anti-aircraft guns. The newspaper says construction of the base was commenced in 1934 in the greatest secrecy. Only tiie most trusted Nazis were employed.