MERCHANT-SHIP POWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 909, 28 February 1930, Page 9

MERCHANT-SHIP POWER

UNITED STATES MAKES BID FOR SUPREMACY TURNING TO PACIFIC Reed. noon. LONDON, Thursday. While the five Powers are attempting to reduce their navies, one of them, the United States, is frankly determined to build a great merchant marine. This development is regarded in London with much interest, quite apart from that in shipping circles. Indeed it is regarded as a move of considerable international importance, so much so that the various Dominions are receiving political intelligence on the subject. Mr. Herbert Hoover, shortly after assuming office as President, intimated than the United States desired a merchant fleet second to none. It is nc%v vigorously pursuing this policy, at present concentrating on the Atlantic, but there is every indication of it turning to the Pacific with increased activity. This is of special interest to Australia and New Zealand. It is suggested that the United States interests propose new ships for the Australian-American trade superior to anything at present engaged. This would necessitate building by existing lines if they are to compete satisfactorily, but the British interests are faced with difficulties in view of the serious depression, and the fact that there already is a glut in shipping. On the other hand the United States Government is assisting American interests on a big scale with heavy mail subsidies.