THE NAVY’S RESOURCES.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1917, Page 1

THE NAVY’S RESOURCES.

Statement by Lord Lytton. (Australian & N.Z. Cab's Associate n and Renter.) LONDON, Feb. 13. Lord Lyutoii said the resources of the Navy would not be found wanting in this supreme crisis. Germany has made her initial advance in submaring ships, and the sowing of mines, but we are not afraid of a blockade by terror. We will confidently continue in tho future, as in the past, not only to supply our armies and the Allies, but keep trade routes open.

Tho Government is accelerating ship building, and the labour difficulty has now been overcome.

The construction of destroyers has been greatly increased, though all the shipyards in the world would not suffice to produce all that are required. The arming of the merchantmen is progressing, and special measures W’o being taken to deal with submarine*.

The measures devised are a very considerable success, whether in the destruction of submarines or in escape from attack.

This success is sufficient to justify a largo confidence. Success in this last phase will depend upon how civilians co-operated with the Navy.

It is absolutely essential that the whole of the available cargo space be given up for necessities. Lord Devonport’s food standard was far from being adopted by the whole country, and from the Navy’s point of view it is essential that these regulations should be strictly observed.

It is impossible for the Government to fully take the country into its confidence, because the important information which the enemy would gain should be learned by their experience at sea, and not from speeches. Expedients are being employed besides those which Lord Beresford hau mentioned.