The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1916. NAVAL ADMINISTRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 December 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1916. NAVAL ADMINISTRATION.

From an Empire point of view it. is the British Xiavy that is all important, and there is that supreme confidence in its efficiency which is essential to the peace cf mind and security of the overseas dominions, whose very existence depends on Britain's naval supremacy. It is only natural, therefore, that the greatest interest and concern is taken throughout the Umpire in all that refers to the administration of this first line of defence. The news that a great change has been made at the Admiralty has caused much attention to be drawn to the necessity for the alterations in the supreme command at Whitehall and on the sea. For a considerable time past there has been muc-h criticism and not a little discontent exhibited by a section of British politicians over what they regard as the weak policy of the Admiralty, but this may be assigned to the desire for a great, spectacular success, such as would have been presented had the weather been favorable 'when the battle of Jutland was fought and the enemy escaped in the mist. It may be taken for granted that the appointment of Admiral Sir John Jellieoe as First Sea Lord, and practically the controller of British a val policy, has not been made as the c-nlt of the noisy talk of disgruntle'! ,";is''ltors, but as a response to ("lev new submarine campaign, Cn'.- t to the surmise by the sensatic ify.nges have made ip BerJin, whc.\ *. are attributed to

tins activity «i German torpedoes in the English Channel. it is ■significant that Admiral Realty's appointment should have caused misgivings in Germany, his leadership in the Jutland fight having compcllod respect and fear, •lust as Lord Kitchener hud the entire confidence of the Empire as the supreme command of the liritish Army, so will Admiral Jellieoe talis up his work at the Admiralty assured of an equal confidence to that enjoyed by Lord Kitchener. The one important and incisive criticism levelled at Admiralty administration latterly has been the fact that none of the Sea Lords had the advantage of personal experience in modem naval warfare. Jellieoe, like Kitchener, can hold his own, and there need be no fear that his control will bo absolute and decisive. He has the very latest experience of actual service conditions, and is known to be a man of cool judgment as well as prompt action. There can be no doubt that the change has not been made merely to d:sarm criticism. Germany's methods require special .handling, and ft is by no means unlikely that the change indicates an offensive rather than a, defensive policy in the future. The only possible objection that can be offered to the installation of Admiral Jellieoe at Whitehall is the loss of his services in 'command of the British Fleet, but this has wisely beeij provided for in the appointment of Admiral .Sir David Beatty, the hero of Heligoland, of the Dogger Bank and of Jutland. Although Admiral Beatty is the youngest British Admiral, being only forty-five years of age, lie is known not only as a dashing fighter, but more particularly as a coolheaded, far-seeing and resourceful naval strategist. With two such proved commanders at the head of the Xavv we may certainly feel confident in the tactics of the enemy being successfully dealt with. Wo may also anticipate a more effective use being made of the enormous naval machinery that is available for use. Without looking for niir • acles, it is not unreasonable to expect that the handling of the Xavy as a whole will take on a new development suited to the conditions which now prevail. The now appointments inspire an added confidence in the British Xavy, and the Empire will await developments with equanimity, being satisfied that all will be done that is humanly possible to destroy the submarine menace and to utilise every means available for assisting in the final victory over our unscrupulous enemies.