Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-02-15
!, 6. NAVY
TO0L|T TIE
TO OPPOSE
JAPSS, SAYS
vREElAND
ear Admiral, in Frank Statement
Before House Committee, De-
cIares Nation Is Unable to En-
force Its Policies at Present.
dvocate of 48 BattIeships Cites
Situation in Pacific as Showing
Pressing Need for Larger and
More Formidable Sea Force.

WASHINGTON, Feb. IA. The
House Naval Committee has made
ublic the testimony of Rear Admiral
harles z. Vreeland, member Of the
eneral board of the navy, ranking
ext to Admiral Dewey. before that
ommlttee which contains significant
eferences to Japan and American ma
al strategy in the Pacific.
Admiral Vreeland recommended the
obstruction of four dreadnoughts as
part of this years naval increase
Program, and said the general board
urged the creation of a fleet of AZ
battleships by 1920.
The report of the general board to
Eecretarv Daniels on naval increase
his wear stated the boards position
b these words:
The general board does not believe
kbe nation stands ready to abandon
modify any of its well-established
ational policies and repeats its po-
&tion that the naval policy of the
Ountry should be to possess a meet
owerful enough to prevent or an
yer any challenge to these policies.
he absolute strength necessary to
ccomplish this is a question that de-
|ends upon the national policies of
respective challengers, and the force
lev can bring against us, and hence
relative and varies with their ma
h policies and building programs.
Policies We Must Protect.
This statement was utilized by the
little navy" members of the Naval
ommittee for a grilling interrogation
Admiral Vreeland.
Does that state your views?" IN
uired Representative Witherspoon,
Mississippi.
Yes, sir" replied Admiral Vreeland.
That is straight"
What are the national policies we
ould be able to resist or prevent
by challenge off,"
There is one for which we need a
cry large navy-the Monroe Doc
tne," answered Admiral Vreeland.
What are the others?' inquired
representative Witherspoon.
Have we abandoned the open-door
China?" flashed back Admiral
IRELAND
No." said Mr.. Witherspoon. Il am
lying to get at the policies. You
by we should have a fleet powerful
Dough to prevent or answer any
hallenge.'
Excluding the Asiatics," replied
dmral Vreeland, naming another
folicy
From California;" inquired Mr..
itherspoon.
From our country" said the ad-
ral They are three big PROPOSE
ons that require force to maintain"
DO you know of any reasonable
pprehension that anybody is about
challenge the Monroe Doctrine, or
open door policy, or the exclu-
on of the Asiatics?"
The exclusion of the Asiatics has
ZEN challenged" responded Admiral
iceland.
That is one reason why your be-
is that we should increase the
IVY in order to prevent or answer
challenge to our policies"
Yes, sir" said the admiral.
VreeIand Differentiates Japan.
What percentage of the navy OF
ngland could be spared" asked Mr..
iIliams, of Illinois, under ordinary
nditions and complications in Eu-
Pc to be sent to America to at
ck us?"
90 not think she could spare
!-not without an understanding
N the other powers replied Ad-
fal Vreeland. 81 should say that
also true of Germany at the pres
time. l should say it is true OF
'ance, also"
Is it true of JAPAN" asked Mr.
lliams.
No, sir" WAS Admiral Vreeland' s