NAVAL BUDGETS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19159, 16 November 1927, Page 9

NAVAL BUDGETS.

MARKED INCREASE. BRITAIN'S THE HEAVIEST. (BT CABLE—PtESS ASSOCIATION— COPYBIOHT.I UUSTBALIAJf ASD S.Z AM) HUH CABLE.) LONDON, November 14. The naval correspondent of the "Daily News" writes: ''Despite the growing demand for disarmament, the Great Powers' naval budgets are expanding, and 1928 will witness a marked increase. It is expected that Britain's new construction will necessitate the building expenditure, at present £110,723,000. being increased to £120,(350.000. "The United States' Budget of 1927, £(34,6.50,000, will reach £70,000,000 m 1928, to enable the carrying out of their big cruiser programme. "The Japanese Budget of £26,483,000 shows an increase of £843,200 despite the claim that she is desirous ot reducing expenditure. The increase is due to the new building programme, which provides for the construction of four large cruisers, fifteen destroyers, and four submarines. "France's programme includes fiftyseven torpedo boats, and fifty-five submarines. "Italy is aiming to command the Eastern Mediterranean, and her programme for 1928 covers four cruisers, twelve scouts, six submarines, and the development of bases in Sicily and Sardinia. "Germany is building cruisers of exceptionally big fighting power. "Russia and Spain are developing submarines. "The navy programmes of Greece, Rumania, Turkey, Jugoslavia, and the South American Republic are expanding on a relatively large scale."