Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-06-30
BY THE RIGHT HON. LORD
STRABOLGl,

~e.'-s'sS .ssS.a
BY THE RIGHT HON. LORD
STRABOLGl,
Author Of THE Economies Of Plenty"
The Real Navy" Etc.
THAT the treaty Of Versailles
could not be enforced indeh-
nitely has long been a maxim
Il of foreign politics. 1t was long
foreseen that Germany would REIN
troduce CONSUMPTION at the first favor
able opportunity. The ideal of the
nation IN arms, with all young men
undergoing a period of military train
ing, has been deeply ingrained In the
German mind for nearly century.
But that the German government
would f1out the naval clauses OF the
treaty of Versailles was unexpected.
1t was supposed that the present
rulers of Germany would endeavor
at all costs to maintain friendly rela-
lions with the two great English
speaking peoples. For this purpose 1t
was supposed that Germany would
obtain the right to build by agree
ment what naval vessels she felt were
necessary for her defense. and would
wait patiently until the time was ripe
for new agreement.
Misuse Of the submarine weapon IN
the World War and the ruthless sink
ing of peaceful American merchant
ships on the high seas. contrary to
all established principles of interna-
tional law. was the principal cause Of
Americas Intervention in the struggle.
Likewise, 1t was the growth of German
naval power, SO ostentatiously aimed
against Britain, that caused re-
orientation of British foreign policy
at the beginning of this century.
ranged the British governing class on
the side of France. led 10 the entente
with that country and the under
standing" with Russia As result,
it was almost impossible for Britain
to remain neutral wileu the quarrel
between France and Germany f1ared
up in war.
Shock in U. S. and Britain.
The openly declared intention >er
Germany to re-enter the ranks Of
the first-class naval powers has caused
a shock to both American and British
public opinion. The rearmament of
Germany at sea touches both mari
time nations intimately.
All that now remains of the dis
armament clauses IF the treaty Of
Versailles is the one relating to the
demilitarized zone along the River
Rhine The principal European sig
natories OF the treaty now threaten
economic reprisals in the event of
further violations. But the German
naval rearmament is actually in proc
ess, and a new situation must be
faced by the naval powers.
The balance of sea power has been
upset. Japan has denounced the
naval treaties of Washington and
London after due notice. Germany
has broken clear of the restriction
which limited her fleet. And these
two powers are acting in sympathy,
if not in secret accord.
The naval clauses Of the treaty Of
Versailles we're strictly drawn. Ger
many was denied submarines Of any
description. Her fleet was limited to
six small battleships. eight small
cruisers and 16 torpedo-boat destroy
ers. The intention was that she
should possess coast defense fleet
capable of guarding her interests In
the Baltic in the event Of trouble with
Russia or Poland, or both; but inca
pable of any offensive action upon the
high seas.
The British insistence on stripping
Germany of her colonies after the
war-though the principal reason,
openly given, was that Germany had
proved herself unfit to be a colonial
power because of the supposed mall
treatment by her officials Of the ma
tive populations-in reality was for
the purpose of depriving Germany of
overseas naval bases.
The colonial clauses, from the stra-
tegic point Of view, were as important
for Britain, and indeed for the United
States, as the naval limitation clauses
themselves.
It has now been announced that
Germany intends to be no longer re-
stricted in naval construction. Super
dreadnaught battleships of the largest
size are to be laid down. AS a begin
ming, the building of two battleships
of 10000 tons, each armed with nine
11-irich guns, has been started.
Battle Fleets Aged.
With the exception of the British
Rodney and Nelson, built since the
Washington treaty, the battle fleets of
the two principal naval powers,
Britain and the United States, are of
considerable age. With the advances
that have been made in the science of
naval architecture and the experience
that Germany has gained in building
her new 10,000-ton battleships to re-
place her old coast defense ships,
these 20,000-ton ships Of the line will
compare favorably in fighting strength
with any of the battleships at present
flying the American or British flags.
Under the treaty Germany is lin
tied to six small cruisers Of 5000 tons,
armed with guns no larger than g.
inch caliber.
1t is now proposed to build imme-
diately two cruisers of 10000 tons
each, armed with 8-inch guns. This
is the outside limit agreed upon by
the American, British. Japanese,
French and Italian governments. both
at Washington in 1921 and in the
London naval treaty of 1880.
Germany proposes to build is large
destroyers Of 1,400 tons each, ca
pable Of long distance voyages, in place
Of the existing torpedo boats for
coastal work, to which she Is restricted
under the treaty Of Versailles. This