14 DECEMBER 1929, Page 2

We - have lately heard a great deal about the naval

needs of France, and the Report now under consideration by the Naval Committee of the Senate seems to us nothing more than the French mathematical genius run riot. Tables have been made giving coefficients of defence for the various nations and taking as the unit the needs of Italy. These tables, if they were to be translated into reality, would mean in increase of armaments everywhere else. They are based on some curious equation made up of area of territory, length of coast, length of communica- tions—also external trade and sea-borne traffic. 0 Parity, what crimes are committed in thy name !

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