The Waikato Times. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1941. CO-OPERATION OF NAVIES

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21368, 12 March 1941, Page 6

The Waikato Times. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 1941. CO-OPERATION OF NAVIES

Possibilities opened by the United States Aid-to-Britain Bill are indicated by the report from Washington that an exchange of about 10 American cruisers and 40 destroyers for three British battleships is being discussed. This suggests a “ rationalisation ” of the use of the two fleets which might be an exceedingly important development. It is perfectly obvious that Britain requires more light warships rather than battleships, and that America’s prime need is capital ships to balance the strength that might be brought to bear against her. If such an arrangement can be made to the mutual advantage, action is not likely to be long delayed. The new legislation apparently gives the necessary authority.

Experience in this war has shown that Britain has had only occasional use for her capital ships. Most of the tasks that have fallen to the Navy can best be performed by fast cruisers and destroyers, of which large numbers are required. The great battleships have been more or less a reserve of strength against certain contingencies, although they have done good work, particularly in shore bombardments in collaboration with the Air Force and the Army. But for convoy work, hunting raiders and submarines and all the other tasks allotted to the Navy the light cruisers and the destroyers have been proved to be the most valuable utility ships. Britain has recently constructed several great battleships which apparently far outmatch any opposition likely to be encountered in Western waters. Providing the diplomatic ground is thoroughly sound, therefore, she could afford to barter the use of capital ships for larger numbers of destroyers and cruisers.

In plain language the United States has been building up its battle fleet as a counter to the growing strength of the Japanese Navy. Defence of the Atlantic has been left largely to Britain. America’s problem differs from Britain’s. Japan has a strong fleet of capital ships, to counter which the United States muse also have capital ships, for if by any evil chance the Japanese fleet should ever sail against the United States the heavy battleships would probably be the spearhead of the attack. Battleships would be used to gain supremacy on the seas and cover the detailed work of cruisers, destroyers, submarines and raiders. Here is a chance to dovetail the strength of the two navies and so immeasurably improve the defensive and offensive power at the disposal of the democratic countries.

But caution is necessary and the diplomatic ground must first be prepared. Complete understanding with the United States is essential to any scheme of barter by which Britain would lend any of its capital ships. Britain must contemplate the possibility of having to meet unaided the naval strength of all the Powers connected with the Axis. Ordinary prudence demands that. But if the way is cleared by perfect understanding there are enormous advantages to be gained from the best use of the two fleets for a common purpose. Otherwise Britain and the United States would be wasting much of their potential strength in their fight for democracy and freedom. The dangers to be faced in the current year demand united action by those who are opposed to the Axis.