RIVAL NAVIES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 149, 19 March 1921, Page 7

RIVAL NAVIES

DEBATE ON BRITISH ESTIMATES OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE ARMAMENTS By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. London, March 17. In Committee on the Naval Estimates there was a lively debate regarding the building l of capital ships, in view of tho United States' apparent determination to increase' its navy. Sir Edward Carson urged the House not to let the cry economy interfere with its judgment as to what the Navy ought to be. It would be the greatest catastrophe that had ever happened to Britain if it decided to content itself with being the second'naval Power. 'We are now on the verge of what is safe.” Mr. Asquith said that he had not the faintest apprehension that the American Navy was directed, or ever could be. against Britain. Parliament was being asked to spend on the Navy, Army and Air Force two hundred millions a year. That was rather a large figure. There never was so favourable an opportunity to bring about a reduction in naval armaments, limiting them to bare necessities of national security. Mr. Clynes said Britain ought to fortify itself against attack by entering into an arrangement with the United States for the reduction of naval armaments.

Commander Bellairs v-iewed the increase in the Japanese Navy as a grave danger. If necessary, the United States and Britain should ration th'e supply of steel to Japan. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AMERICAN FLEET

TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA NOT DECIDED ON YET. (Rec. March 18. 9.15 p.m.) Washinaton, March 17.

The Australian Press Association learn 5 Hint Denbv (Secretary or the Havyj has not yet definitely decided to send iho American fleet to font Australasia. MrDaniels last autumn stated that he contemplated such a four, but the defeat of President Wilson immediately put the plans in abeyance. Mr. Denby, who himself plans a three-wecks’ inspection tour of the fleet in the Pacific, is somewhat concerned over the • oet 1 <f a trip to Australasia. It is understood that if the expenses are not very liv-ge l e may approve of Mr. Daniels’s plans, with some modifications. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.