CUT IN CRUISERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 960, 1 May 1930, Page 9

CUT IN CRUISERS

PROGRAMMES REDUCED BY NAVAL PACT EFFECT ON THREE POWERS British Official Wireless Itecd. 11.15 a.m. RUGBY, Wed. Mr. A. V. Alexander, First Lord of the Admiralty, stated in the House of Commons that the effect of the London Naval Treaty in regard to the cruiser strength was as follows: Great Britain would not construct the two Sin. 10,000-ton cruisers of the 1928 programme and the one Sin. 10,000-ton cruiser of the 1929 programme.

The United States, which entered the conference with a projected programme of 23 S-in. 10,000-ton cruisers, would actually not complete more than 15 of this type before 1936, retaining only the option to have three more under construction not to be completed before 1936, 1937 and 1930 respectively.

Japan would remain at her present figure of 12 Bin. 10,000-t.on cruisers and would not embark on fresh construction, as previously aiiticipated. As regarded 6in. cruisers, the Naval Treaty only allowed, generally speaking, for replacement, except that in the case of the United States special provision was made for carrying out long postponed crqiser construction. Mr. Alexander said the Government intended to take into immediate consideration the whole position regarding the Singapore Naval Base, and that it must be done in consultation with the Dominions.