IS THE NAVY READY?

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 28 August 1907, Page 4

IS THE NAVY READY?

STRIKING JIEMOKANDUM BY THE NAVY LEAGUE. The Navy League have issued a striking memorandum on the state of the Navy, entitled "instant Keadiness for War," which will give rise to the most serious doubts as to the preparedness ol our fleets. It says:— A fleet is instantly ready for war when it is in condition to move on a simple telegram and obtain coutact with the enemy

In the case of England, there are peculiar conditions. The temper of the country is such that it will never take the initiative in a campaign or face the responsibility of beginning a great war. The following will represent the conditions of a British fleet "instantly ready for war":— 1. Force amply sufficient in the judgment of the commander-in-chief to enable the blow of the enemy to be parried and defeated.

| 2. That force to be composed of ships under the personal command and control of the commander prior to hostilities. 3. The ships of the force to be in good condition for war, and kept, as far as circumstances permit, fully provided with coal, ammunition, and stores. 4. The ships to be kept concentrated. 5. The training of the force to be carried out in such manner that the tactics and shooting will be equal to the demand placed upon them in battle. 6. The force never to be allowed to fall below the minimum which is needed for instant action.

A good example of an instantly ready High Sea Fleet. The admiralissimo commanding it, l'rince Henry of Prussia, has under his inspection" practically the entire naval force of Germany.

As this fleet will be reconstituted for the autumn manoeuvres, it will consist of sixteen battleships of two types, eight of each; four armored cruisers, eight small cruisers, and forty or fifty destroyers, all fully manned. The units of the High Sea Fleet are kept as far as possible concentrated, and are constantly manoeuvring in company. It is thus in a condition to strike at once and to use its fotce to the utmost.