U.S. FLEET’S TOUR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 40, 15 January 1938, Page 9

U.S. FLEET’S TOUR.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13. Three of the four American warships now en route to Sydney will pay a courtesy call at Singapore before returning. THREE DAYS AT SYDNEY. LOUISVILLE FOR AUCKLAND. WASHINGTON, Jan. 13. It is announced that the cruiser squadron attending the New South Wales sesqui-centennial celebrations is to remain at Sydney only three days after which the light cruisers are to go to Singapore. The Louisville is to remain in Australian waters for several weeks and, in response to an official invitation from the respective governments, is to visit Melbourne. Adelaide, Auckland, and possibly Hobart, after which it is to proceed home, via Tahiti. REMAIN IN ASIATIC WATERS? £ later message states that speculation has arisen as to whether the cruisers after their visit to Singapore will remain in Asiatic waters for the duration of the Far Eastern crisis, especially in view of the indirect way by which both the State Department officials and naval chiefs have announced their decision in the matter. Though the British plans for the celebration at Singapore have been known for several weeks, there was no hint of sending the American cruisers, which was first announced when they departed for Australia. Naval officials at the time said that there was insufficient time for the cruisers to visit Singapore because they must return home in time to participate in manoeuvres. It is noteworthy that twice recently both the State Department and high naval officials have drafted plans for naval reinforcements in China, but President Roosevelt has vetoed them. NO ADVICE. VISIT TO DOMINION. WELLINGTON, Jan. 14. No advice has been received by the Government that four United States cruisers are to visit New Zealand in February, the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones) stated to-day. A message from Auckland this week reported that the Louisville, Trenton, Memphis and Milwaukee, after representing the United States at the 150th anniversary celebrations of .Australia, would arrive at Auckland on February 17.