A.—4

18

26- The provision of the necessary vessels for harbour defence purposes in New Zealand will now be considered. The requirements are, —

It is recommended that the old destroyers or " P " boats should be acquired by 1923. It seems probable that Great Britain could supply these vessels from those available at home. The provision of mine-sweepers is largely dependent on the institution of a trawler fishery service, which, it is strongly urged, should be taken, up at an early moment. This matter is dealt with in Volume 11, Chapter VII, Section 2. 27- If ma y be that in the years to come New Zealand may desire to add to the assistance given to the fleet of the Empire. The most satisfactory method of adding to naval strength is undoubtedly to work on a certain denned line. New Zealand's purposes would best be served by vessels of the types of light cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, with a small force of aircraft; and it is recommended that the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy should, at any rate in the near future, be confined to vessels of these classes. 28. An unit under these conditions should be considered to be— 1 light cruiser. 2 destroyers. 2 submarines. The first necessity, as has been mentioned, is the provision of — 3 light cruisers. 6 submarines. 1 submarine parent ship. To complete three units the next provision should therefore be six destroyers ; and subsequently any further increase should take the form of an unit. For every three units— 1 submarine parent ship (small) is necessary, and the provision of an aircraft-carrier should be considered as the next requirement after completion of three units. The " units " are fit for service in the striking force, or alternatively they can be used for direct defence of trade. 29. A suggested programme for each financial year from 1920-21 is shown in Table VI. The programme aims at attaining the force suggested in paragraph 24 by the year 1926. The cost of upkeep of the necessary harbour defence vessels mentioned in paragraph 26, and the other measures needed for carrying out the proposals put forward, together with such requirements as administration, training ships, reserves, &c, are also included. The figures are necessarily .only approximate.

Full Commission. Reserve Commission. Special Reserve. 8 old destroyers or " P " boats 18 mine-sweepers of the trawler type 4 2 4 (Remainder assumed to be fishingtrawlers.) 4 boom defence vessels (For instructional purposes.) 4