El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1919-06-14
ENGLAND PLANS
To AUCTION OFF
WAR VESSELS
Two Hundred Ships Now
Being Rendered Unfit
For War Purposes.
ANY DICK TURPIN
MAY OFFER BIDS

I ONDON, Eng, June although
IL the British government has de-
cided to auction off about zoo war yes
seIs-cruisers. torpedo boats and de-
stroyers-in the near future to the
highest bidders. precautions are to be
taken that they viii not be used by
any sailor Of fortune" or small coun-
try for the purposes of piracy or ag-
gression.
Such was the announcement made
from official sources in the British
admiralty when the question OF what
would be the ultimate destination Of
the war vessels was brought to their
attention.
The ships it is proposed to sell
viii be placed on the market in a
few months" said one Of the ad-
miralty officials. They are now De
ing dismantled and rendered unfit for
war purposes. Coming towers. gun
platforms and torpedo tubes are all
being taken away and practically
nothing VIII be left but the bare shell
OF the ship.
Destination Required.
ALSO, it viii not be permissible for
any person to show I'd at the sale and
bid for one Of these ships without we
have very full and thorough knowl-
edge OF its ultimate destination They
they viii not be used for anything
but purely commercial purposes. We
are not taking any chances Of having
them used against the peace Of the
world"
So If anybody-or any government
has an idea that now is the oDpor-
thnity for obtaining a battleship at
cut rates. with the intention Of using
it for forcing views or conditions on
other persons or government they
win be disappointed Those desiring
a battle cruiser or torpedo boat will
have 10 Salty the British government
that their object in purchasing II is
entirely peaceab le-or there will be
nothing doing"
brokers in Field.
II has been rumored around in mar
thine circles lately that certain small
governments already had their repre-
picking I'd at cut rates a few war
ships It is also believed that p num-
her OF free lance ship brokers who /,
have hitherto made a business Of sup
plying revolutionists with arms and !
ANN unition have eagerly awaited this I
opportunity Of securing a warship al !
small cost These gentry are. how
ever. doomed 20 disappointment If I
they exnected TO get one Of the dis =
carded British ships
The sale will he open to ALL" said (
the admiralty official referred TO be-
fore. but every care viii be taken to ]
see that only those whose PURPOSES
are peaceful will get them. II will he I
ascertsfned before delivery Just who /
are concerned in the purchase and I
delivery viii be refused should there I
he any doubt as TO the ultimate des- |
tination OF the vessels
May COnfiSeafe Ships
a very embracing clause will also /
be introduced into the conditions of 1
sale. no doubt This will urObah bly, be 4
an agreement under which the British |
government will have the right at any
time TO confiscate the vessels should
II be shown that they have been used 4,
OF are intended for use in warfare. !
We are not likely 10 hand anybody /
2 weapon which could be used AGAINST ]
ourselYes-or against the peace Of the 4
world which comes TO the same I
thing
So II there is any Dick Turnin Of 4
the sea who had a project in view Of /
sweeping the seas with an easily &C
quired navy he is now due to wake up. /