RACE FOR SEA SUPREMACY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1923, 4 December 1913, Page 7

RACE FOR SEA SUPREMACY.

- * • REST FAVOURED IN UNITED STATES CONGRESS. By Tolesraph-Press Association-Copyright (Rec. December 3, 9.15 p.m.) Washington, December 8. The majority of the representatives in Congress.aro favourable to tho suggestion put forward in October last by Mr. Winston Churchill (First Lord of tho British Admiralty) for a "naval holiday." . President Wilson is also favourable. It is considered that tho proposal of Mr. Daniels (Secretary to tho Navy), that tho United States issue invitations to tho Powers to hold a conference to discuss the matter of a reduction in armaments, will probably bo carried unanimously. The only method of reducing naval expenditure, declared Mr. Churchill in October last, in a spcecli which evoked a ~,torm of hostile criticism in France ar.A Germany, was along the lines of an international agreement. The Government had iio intention of moving in the matter of a naval holiday unless Germany considered acting strictly, but a point had been reached where the relations of the Great Powers, however amicable, seemed to produce no effect on their warlike preparations. Britain's rellntions with Germany had greatly improved without the loss of friendship with other countries "The moment," continned Mr. Churchill, "is therefore favourable for a friendly reference to the naval holiday proposal I nut forward in the name of tho Government. It is quite simple. Next year, apart from the Canadian ships or their equivalent, apart from anything required by any development in the Mediterranean, Britain will lay down four great ships and Germany two. Now we. say to Germany, 'JI you will postpone beginning to build two ships next year, wo will postpone, in absolute good faith, tho building of four ships during the same period. This will sava Germany six millions, and Britain nearly twelve, while the relative strength of the two parties will be unchanged. It is not possible for either Germany or ourselves to do this unless tha other Great Powers agree, but I am'convinced that they will follow the Anglo-German lead. All will bo just as great as if they had built their ships as at present designed, and scores of millions will bo rescued for the progress of mankind.'" Mr. Churchill added that if 1914 was too near, the proposal could be applied to 1915. He was quite impervious to tho objections of the great armament firms. They must be the servants, not tho masters.'.,.