The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1914. THE GREAT NAVIES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 85, 31 July 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1914. THE GREAT NAVIES.

In view of the present serious state of affairs resulting by reason of the declaration of war between Austria and Servia, and in view of the still more serious results that would follow upon the participation of the other European Powers therein,, it will be of interest to readers to have the present naval strengths of the principal Powers placed before them. The latest figures, those for 1914, are as follows: THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE.

THE TRIPLE ENTENTE.

The Russian fleet wag practically destroyed in the Russo-Japanese war, and though rebuilding operations wore speedily resumed, the position is that Russia has practically no ships of any great consequence actually completed, though several are nbarly completed. Thus, at the end of this year she will have four Dreadnoughts ready for service, and twelve months after that she will have a farther three finished. At the present moment, however, these vessels have no actual value. The Triple “Alliance” between Germany, Austria and Italy is a treaty by which these three nations are bound to assist each other in the event of any

ono of them becoming embroiled in a war with more than one assailant. The nations forming the Triple “Entente” (Great Britain, France and Russia) are generally supposed to have a similar “understanding” to the same effect which has been arrived at by diplomatic efforts, though not formally agreed to by treaty. It is apparent that, (to preserve the “balance of power” equally, in Europe,, arrangements such as the above are necessary, and there is little doubt but that the Triple Entente would show quite as united a front as the Triple Alliance should occasion require it to do so. If, as is by no means unlikely, Austria should become embroiled with Russia, as well as with Servia, the other Powers forming the Alliance may come to her assistance. This would necessitate France’s coming to Russia’s assistance in turn, and it is quite possible that England’s interests and obligations would draw her, too, into the struggle. Wo may hope, however, that diplomacy will avert what, at present, appears to turn out to be a very ugly situation, and that outside of the Austro-Ser-via'n trouble, the peace of Europe may be maintained. Though we in New Zealand are far from the seat of war, it is very evident that we should suffer in a very direct way if England should be involved. The war vessels of the European Powers would, without doubt, endeavor to prevent all supplies from entering Great Britain, and would keep a special eye open for the big Australian and New Zealand liners with their valuable cargoes of frozen meat, dairy produce, and other articles for human consumption. Great difficulty would also be experienced in getting ships away from the Old Country with export goods, and, for those goods which we are in the habit of obtaining from England, a greatrise in prices would be experienced.

Germany. Austria Italy. Dreadnoughts 26 8 10 Older battleships 20 9 11 Cruisers 36 7 13 Destroyers 116 36 40 Submarines 40 14 • 20 Men ' ' 153,000 39,000 77,000

Gt. Britain. France. Russia. Dreadnoughts 41 12 nil. Older battleships 40 20 5? Cruisers 84 21 * J Destroyers 102 74 5 1 Submarines 91 94 yy Men 209,000 133,000 yy