THE CALL FOR SHIPS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 460, 19 March 1909, Page 5

THE CALL FOR SHIPS.

GENERAL APPROVAL. DEMAND FOR EICHT DREADNOUCKT3. GERMAN ATTITUDE. (BYTEMMRAni—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPI RIOIIT.) (Itec. March 18, 0.35 p.m.) London, March 18. In tho Navy Estimates debate in the Houso .of Commons Mr. A. 11. Leo (who was Civil Lord of tho Admiralty in the last Unionist Government) said that tho nation demanded that tho Government should at ouco order eight Dreadnoughts. Tho employees of Krupp's works (at Essen, Germany) had been increased by 38,000 last year. All the troublo was duo to the failure, of tho Government to carry out Lord Cawdor's programme. [Lord Cawdor was First Lord of tho Admiralty in tho last Unionist Government. The Cawdor Memorandum, issued lato in 1905, fixed the British programme of largo armoured ships at four to be laid down yearly. This programme the present Government has not realised. Mr. 11. W. Wilson points out that in 1906 Britain began only three large armoured ships, and in 1907 the same number.] Mr. A. G. C. Harvey (Liberal member for Rochdale, and a strong advocate of a "Radical social programme") announced that he did not propos; to move the amendment to reduco the Navy Estimates that had been prepared by tho Reduction of Armament Committee. Dr. Macnamara (Financial Secretary to tho Admiralty) dwelt on tho value of pre-Dread-nought battleships (the Lord Nelson, King Edward VII, and Formidable types). Mr. John Dillon (Nationalist member for East Mayo) and Mr. A. Henderson (Chairman of the Labour party in 1908) accused the Government of pandering to the panicmongers, s SOME DENIALS BY TIRPITZ. BUILDINC OVER-ESTIMATED. NO PROPOSAL FOR DISARMAMENT. (Rcc. March 18, 10.53 p.m.) Berlin, March 18. Admiral Von Tirpitz, German Secretary of the Navy, 6ta,ted in tho Reichstag that in tbe autumn of 1912 Germany will have only 13 Dreadnoughts and Invincibles. He did not know on what grounds tho British First Lord of tho Admiralty (Mr. M'Kenna) had arrived at tho larger figure stated by him in the House of Commons.

Referring to Mr. Asquith's statement in tho House of Commons —" There is no possibility of an arrangement with Germany for mutual reduction. Efforts in that direction have been made, and have failed."—Admiral Von Tirfjitz said— ,

"No proposal for disarmament has been made to Germany."

fMr. M'Kenna was reported as stating ip the House of Commons that Germany would complete 13 Dreadnoughts by 1911, and would possibly completo four more by April, 1912.1

"REGRETTABLE WEAKNESS."

GERMAN LEAGUE ORGAN INCENSED. (Rec. March 18, 9.35 p.m.) Berlin, March 18. The debate in the House of Commons has aroused great interest in Germany. The press, however, is sparing in comment. The "Neuoste Naehrichtcn," tho organ of the German Navy Leaguo, is incensed at tho statements (made by Mr. Asquith in the House of Commons) that Germany informed Britain that sho does not intend to hasten her rate of naval construction. The paper characterises the supplying of the information as regrettable weakness. NEWSPAPERS ADMIT URGENCY. LIBERAL LAMENTS. SOCIAL REFORM REVENUE GOING INTO SHIPS. London, March 17. The Navy debate has created a profound sensation throughout the country. The "Daily News" (Liberal) reluctantly supports tho Estimates. It argues that the entente between Great Britain, France, and Russia dominates the European situation; and explains Germany's fears. "Meanwhile," says the "News," "disastrous competition in armaments means to us an increase of taxation, possibly beggaring social reform."

The "Daily Chronicle" (Liberal) declares that tho question is no longer one of whether Ministers are justified in proposing so much, but' rather whether they are justified in not proposing more.

"The Times" notes Mr. Asquith's renewed pledge, and hints that this may ultimately entail the enlarging of the present Estimates.

It adds:—"German dockyards and factories are working night and day, tho Government in some oases paying 25 per cent, abovo the original estimates."

Tho "Westminster Gazotto" says:—"Tho Government's frank statement regarding

Germany's acceleration in tho rate of warship building will ensure unanimity among its supporters."

The "Pall Mall Gazette" says:—"Austria is laying down Dreadnoughts, and Austria's Navy of tho future must be reckoned as part of tho German."

OPINION IN THE PROVINCES. (Rec. March 18, 9.35 p.m.)

London, March 18. Tho profound effect of the naval statement in London is re-echoed in the provinces. The Unionist papers insist that extra Dreadnoughts must be put on the slips imme-

diately. Tho Radical papers admit that it is necessary that the Government should have a free hand, but point out that social reform will bo set back.