BIG-SHIP POLICY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 108, 31 January 1921, Page 5

BIG-SHIP POLICY

NAVAL CONSTRUCTION BY BRITAIN

OVERSEAS PREMIERS TO BE CONSULTED

By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright.

(Rec. January 30, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 29.

Since the “Daily Chronicle’s” announcement on January 14 respecting the work of the sub-committee of the Council of Imperial Defence, the sub-committee has continued its inquiry into the question of new naval construction. It is known that a large body at the Admiralty evidently are in favour of continuing to build big ships, though the financial difficulties are very great. It is now understood. that Cabinet will not come to a final decision in tho matter until it Ims consulted the Dominions at the Premiers’ Conference.—Aus.-N.Z Cable Assn.

[The “Daily Chronicle” on January 14 stated that the sub-committee of the Council of Imperial Defence had come to a momentous decision against the continuation of the biff-ship policy, on the ground that it involved the country in naval expenditure which was crushing, and which would make an effort to reduce the war debt impossible. The enormous expense not only applied to battleships, but to docks and. aircraft, and flotillas of cmisers and destroyers necessary to protect the big vessels. The "Chronicld” added: "A decision along these lines may cast, tho Fleet the services of Admiral Beatty, but if he agrees to it tho sub-committee and Admiral Beatty will earn the gratitude of their countrymen. J