The Daily Alaska Empire

The Navy Report.
(New York Times.)

Secretary Swanson in his annual report puts the case for progressive building when he says that "our sporadic programs have not only proved very costly to the nation but they have left us far under our treaty strength in up-to-date ships." He commends the allocation of funds from the National Industrial Recovery Act for the construction of thirty-two naval vessels, which was directed by President Roosevelt, as a policy that should lead to "a treaty navy second to none."

Secretary Swanson argues, just as the British Lords of the Admiralty do, that "balanced armament fortifies diplomacy and is an important element in preserving peace and justice." Also he says, as they do, that "we can no longer afford to lead in disarmament by example." But we can make all new construction subject to further limitation.

This is a condition approved by President Roosevelt in making the allocation of Industrial Recovery moneys. It is possible to build up to parity with Great Britain under the treaties, with that limitation always in view. In the meantime, as Mr. Swanson points out, employment is found for thousands of workmen in a specialized industry. In the attainment of parity with Great Britain there would be no menace to peace, but rather a prospect of cooperation between two friendly nations to avert any large-scale war.

In the air arm the United States makes up to some extent for weakness in surface auxiliaries, since "the navy had 919 serviceable airplanes on hand at the end of the fiscal year." In fleet manoeuvres the air squadrons have demonstrated their great tactical strength. The Secretary does not seem to share the pessimistic view that the service suffers in efficiency by reduced complement on combatant ships in commission. He does, however, think that the flat 15 per cent reduction in pay is a hardship and urges that full pay be restored.