10 NOVEMBER 1917, Page 2

M. Rousseau, the naval critic of the Tempo, has been

privileged to publish the first account of the new British battle-cruisers, commonly called " Hush ! hush!" ships because, though they have been in commission for a year, their characteristio features have been kept secret. M. Rousseau says that they are very long. and low vessels, with a central turret for guns of the biggest calibre, firing shells that weigh 1,94716'. The stem tapers and curves inward like that of a yacht, doubtless to increase the speed, for the vessels are " much faster than the fastest of the pre-war cruisers." The new ships are built in two sizes, but are all equally powerful Their high speed is designed to protect them against torpedo attack.