THE NAVAL RACE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 40, 12 February 1912, Page 5

THE NAVAL RACE.

BRITAIN’S POSITION ACCORDING TO MR CHURCHILL.

“STOLID AND INFLEXIBLE.”

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association A

London, February 10

Mr Churchill declared that the British Navy, .ship for ship, was superior ho that of any other Power. The latest 13.5 in. gun was the finest weapon ever possessed by the Navy, which was in a state of the highest preparedness. The rumours that the Navy Was not ready in 1911 was baseless. Ho hoped the creation of a war staff would render .such rumours impossible. The increase in the efficiency of all branches of the Navy was essentially for defensive purposes. Britain had not dreamt of aggression, nor attributed such a thought to other Pjowers. There was this difference between German and English naval power: We could not menace a single Continental hamlet, however supremo our navy. England was great by reason of her navy, while Germany was great and honoured the world over before she possessed a single ship. The whole fortune and centuries of achievements of the British Empire would be swept away if her naval supremacy was impaired. Newspapers hinted at the prospects of further European naval increases. That was serious, because, besides the growing .size of everything connected with navies and the increasing cost, the nations of Europe were pressing each other into almost indefinite expansion and expense. “Wo have met it, -and faced the situation with composure, because at every point we had the matter well in hand. The country was never more united in its resolve to maintain our naval supremacy. The resources at the Chancellor’s command were ample foxall requirements. A considerable body of naval opinion favoured a naval loan. .Doubtless it would be easily obtainable, but it would be sheer waste to build beyond the effective mastery of the seas. What was wanted was steady building, but no violent departure from existing methods or a capricious adoption of great'loans. It might be worthy of consideration to plan the adoption ,of a naval programme extending over several years, instead of the present annual appropriations, so that there would be no chance of being overtaken in naval strength. Britain could build faster and cheaper than any Power, and there was no difficulty in recruiting. “Whatever might happen abroad, there would be no whining here, and no cries for help or succour. We will face the futui-e as our ancestors did—-stolidly, inflexibly. Wo will be the first to welcome the slackening of rivalry and to meet it iwith deeds, not words. But if the competition became acute, we would increase the ratio of naval strength to make the margin of superiority larger, and as the strain became greater .we would show the Powers that instead ~of overtaking they would bo outdistanced.”

PRESS COMMENT.

(Received ,12, 8.5 a.m.)

London, February 11

The “Times” says the speecli struck a strong, firm note, though the word “luxury” in describing ■Germany’s fleet was unwisely chosen. Germans must protect their seaborne commerce. The “Chronicle” says Cabinet’s maintenance of supremacy is a useful reminder of the attitude of the Liberal Cabinet, containing a powerful friend of peace. The “Daily News’ ’says the speech is inopportune when Lord Haldane is cultivating good feeling in Germany. Speeches like Mr Churchill’s and Mr Lloyd-George’s, affecting international relations, ought to he reserved for the Premier and Sir Edward Grey. The “Morning Leader” endorses Mr Churchill’s candour..

A BRITISH NIGHTMARE

(Received 12, 8.55 a.m.) Berlin, February 11

The “Berliner Zeitnng” says that only in an English brain can the world position l)e pictured as in Mr Churchill’s speecli. Germans will refuse, to continue to pay awesome respect to this old British nightmare.