The Washington herald., 1921-03-27
Sees u. S. Navy Supremacy.
.HE London Outlook for February 10 is lars
devoted to discussion of sea power and

- effect British naval policy of the American
building program. .,.', e..
After resume OF the present British and Ameri-
can programs the writer of the leading article "The
British Navy and Americas Huge Fleet" asks and
answers this question: "Why are the Americans build
ing the greatest fleet in the word? Having discussed
American interests in the Far East the writer of this
article continues: 1--WE should hug deiusion, how
ever, il explained the American building solely by
the Far Eastern situation. America know has
aggressive designs against us; her motives are not
those OF Germany; but her pride severely hurt
six years ago when laid down the laws of the
oceans outside territorial waters and enforced
them upon her commerce. and must not forget
that at Paris declined discuss the historic Amer
ican conception of the freedom of the seas, one of
Mr.. Wilson's fourteen points Not much was heard
OF the matter thereafter but afraid Washing
ton drew the inference that America not likely
10 be treated by ourselves equal in determining
sea law and procedure in until her feet was as
big as These motives then, with one other
that seems paradox, may be taken to explain the
American building program. The paradox is that
there is certain element Of pacism mixed up. in
the American big navy movement; genuine longing
for disarmament. mingled with determination that
when reduced armaments come Britain shall not be
able to retain still the largest feet the plea that
the existing ratio of naval force be perpetuated If
America has big feet that of Britain. built or
building, she will be able into conference and
ever Utopian and expensive seaweapon may be under
discussion"
AS way to forcstall this ruinous competition in
ornaments, this proposal is made: Suppose the pre-
mer. in public speech, said to the Americans:
Your navy is outgrowng This cannot per-
NIT without building But. being who you are.
will make concession have offered in all
our history will accept equality at with you.
and this ruinous expense of armament competi-
tion, and the still dangers that may follow in
its train. To such offer firmly believe the
American people would generously respond. II would
support to enemies of naval extravaganza in the
United States that must overcome all opposition.
Would the offer involve dangers for this country!
We preserve open mind; but If Admiral Kerrs
thesis is sound, if with fleet of equal strength it
would be as impossible for to attack America
for America to attack us, wherein would the danger
lie, and what great ends might not be served by the
courageous word spoken at the right moment by the
right mani"
This thesis referred to in the preceding quotation
is explained in article in the periodical
titled How Atlantic Battle Would Be Fought"
by Vice Admiral Mark Kerr, c. B., M. v. O.
Admiral Kerrs thesis is that in event of war
between nations situated geographically Great
Britain and the United States &. appears be prac-
tically impossible that batteshps Of one country can
be used against the other 1t, therefore, follows that
naval building in capital ships between America
and ourselves is ofense against common senss,
we'll against civilization"
Admiral Kerr arrives at this conclusion by rea-
soning along this line. On occasion in modern
history has it been the advantage of both sides to
force a general engagement of battle fleets II is
always policy for side to avoid action. In the
of Great Britain and the United States the side
which sought action would be obliged to leave its
coang stations and dockyards and, having proceeded
some $500 miles from its bases to engage the enemy
in his waters. The admiral estimates that of the
ships which set forth on such adventure not
than per cent would return to their base. He
contends that the only occasion under which grand
fleets would engage in, pitched battle would be by
mutual agreement of the two powers to settle the
by grand battle to be staged neutral waters