The Times News

ABC IN MILD
'NAVAL RACE'
South Americans Are Buying
Warships From
British Builders

By JAN H. YINDRICH

LONDON, Sept. 10.-(UP)-

South America is indulging in a minor naval race, with approximately $30,000,000 worth of vessels under construction in British shipbuilding yards.

Argentina leads with about $22,000,000 worth of ships, all of which are nearing completion, followed by Brazil, with $3,580,000 worth, construction of which started a few days ago, whilst Chile is considering tenders for two 8,000-ton cruisers.

At present, Argentina has the 31 knot 7,000-ton cruiser schoolship 'La Argentina' under construction at Vickers-Armstrong's shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness and seven destroyers divided between three yards.

Although described as a schoolship, with accommodation for 60 cadets, 'La Argentina' will have six torpedo tubes, nine six-inch guns, four four-inch anti-aircraft guns, eight two-pounder anti-aircraft guns and will carry two amphibian planes which will be catapulted from the deck.

The seven destroyers belong to the G class used in the British navy.

All seven destroyers, the total cost of which will be approximately $13,580,000, were laid down in 1936. They will displace 1,335 tons, have a speed of 35.5 knots and carry crews of 145.

Some slight modifications have been made to make them conform to Argentina's special requirements, necessitated by climatic considerations.

They will be fitted with four 4.7 guns and seven smaller, as well as eight torpedo tubes.

Brazil's six destroyers will be similar to the British Navy H class, one of which, the 'Havock' was badly mined in the Mediterranean while on Nyon patrol duty, but kept afloat.

Their specification is similar to the seven destroyers being built for the Argentine government.

Chile is at present considering tenders from several firms, including British, German, Italian, United States and Danish for two 8,000-ton cruisers armed with six-inch guns. At present, the Chilean navy has only three cruisers.