JAPAN’S NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1922, Page 5

JAPAN’S NAVY.

ANXIETY AT INCREASE. LIGHT CRUISER UNIT, STRONGEST IN WORLD. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 8, 5.5 p.m. .Sydney, June 8. The Herald, referring to Japan’s reported naval programme, states Japan is capable of completing the vessels in three years. The Herald points out that the Washington Treaty, whilst considerably lessening competition in capital ships, made cruisers factors of increased importance. j The Herald suggests Japan has opened competition in the Pacific, and in the event of war the first attack would be on trading vessels. The four 10,000 ; ton ships, mounting eight-inch guns, I which Japan is going to build, are de- ■ signed up to the extreme limit proposled at Washington, and will make the strongest light cruiser squadron in the i world. The twenty-four 1500 tonners will cause the greatest concern, as presumably they are intended -for commerce raiding. The article conduces: “The Empire must maintain an adequate light cruiser squadron in the Pacific.” Rear-Admiral Cresswell, in an article in the Adelaide Register, issues a warning against naval retrenchment. He says Admiral Dumaresq’s parting message was spoken by one who knew his business in every particular. Had it not been for the Australian fleet at the commencement of the war, trade would have disappeared from the Australian and New Zealand coasts, shipping in all harbors would have been sunk or burned, troops from Australasia would have been prevented from joining the Empire, and the coastal towns from Townsville to Perth would have been shelled. The damage caused might easily be estimated at between £50,000,000 and £100,000,000, , whilst the Germans might have demanded £200,000,000 before moving on.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.