AMERICAN VIEW.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 364, 19 February 1937, Page 5

AMERICAN VIEW.

MATCHING BRITAIN

Belief That Britain May Be Bluffing.

Press Association —Copyright. Washington, Feb. 18.

Admiral William Leahy, Chief of Naval Operations, to-day gave a clear indication that the Navy Department would be matching Britain In new battleship construction.

At a Press conference he stated that he knew of no change In the United States policy. The United States Navy was second to none. He believed it was the sentiment of the country that if any other Power expanded its navy appreciably the United States would have to follow to maintain a parity. He intimated, however, that since the new' British construction appeared to be replacement of over-age ships there would probably be no necessity for the United States to build new aircraft car ri rs or cruisers, because Britain hail several old ships in these categories and America had none.

The belief is expressed in some quarters in America that Britain does not intend to build all the ships listed in the White Paper but that the real aim is to frighten the naval Powers, chiefly Italy and Germany, which refused to participate in the naval armaments agreement.