The Washington times., 1921-02-12
CURBU.S.NAW,
ENGLAND'SA|M.
Senator Borah Charges British
Conceal Their Own Strength
While Urging Disarmament.
BY LEE ELLMAKER,
International News Service.

international News Service.
Further investigation of official
reports before the Senate Naval AZ
fairs Committee. indicating alleged
propaganda In Great Britain to con-
vince the world that the naval
strength OF that nation is less than
1t actually is, was urged today by
Senator Borah and other proponents
Of disarmament.
HAS SECRET REPORT.
The Naval Affairs Committee has
before IL a confidential report filed
with the Navy Department. which
charges that Great Britain, in com
putting it's naval strength for pub
lication, failed to include ships not
In actual service but which could be
placed in service in case OF war.
1t Is further charged In the report
that such alleged mis-statements of
the strength OF the British navy are
designed to support disarmament
proposals. The report charges that
there are indications of juggling OF
figures regarding the personnel of
the British navy.
Senator Borah, Republican, OF
Idaho. champion OF the disarmament
program. Is endeavoring to have the
information made public. Members
of the Naval Affairs Committee refuse
to consent.
None of the records shown in the
British estimate discIoses the number
of ships discarded as a result OF the
battle OF Jutiand or the ships used
during the war. which are not main
tanned on peace basis.
The British estimate of inan-power
available includes only the number OF
men actually In the service. while
thousands of other subjects are in re-
serve. ready for active service In
time OF need. the records disclosed.
MAY PROBE PROPAGANDA.
Further inquiry into the alleged
propaganda of the British navy off,
cials may be requested In the Senate.
Senator PoindeXter, Republican, OF
Washington, member OF the Naval AZ
fairs Committee. said the members of
in confidence and refused to discuss
the matter in any way.
III this information is In the hands
of the Navy Department" senator
Borah said. "the Congress should have
II. We are Informed that in the mr.
chives OF the Navy Department there
Is proof Of the propaganda conducted
by Great Britain. At the same time
we are told that the British ambassa-
dor Is on his way here to suggest
conference"
He also predicted that war between
the United States with either Japan
or Great Britain would result within
the next few years II competitive
navy building continues.
URGES DISARMAMENT.
Senator Borah again urged that an
agreement be reached between the
naval powers for reduction of build
ing programs and also advocated
careful Investigation to determine
whether capital ships are tactically
obsolete.
Opinions of American, British, Ger
man and other naval experts that cap
ital ships have become obsolete were
presented by Senator Borah. He read
from a letter by an American rear-ad-
miral, retired, who said!
81 would stake my life that in a few
years surface navy alone can go
but to the bottom
Senator Poindexter, in defending
the Naval Committees report support
ing the capital shipbuilding program,
declared that II the United States ac-
cepting the building postponemen plan
1t would become at one defeated
nation, would lose it's insular pos
sessions" and it's citizens would be
able to travel the seas only upon
terms laid down by rival nations.
ADvOC ArEs "sAFErY FIRST"
Before sitting down with these ma
tions at the conference table," he said,
"the committee feels we should take
not to sit down disarmed.
If the six-month suspension were
we would lose, In addition,
between $4,000, 900 and s25.ooo. 900"
The Senator said he would like to
know whether Great Britain would
reduce its fleet to the present
Of the American navy and
IL Japan would actually step naval