Paris, June 8.
The Government's naval programme includes the laying this year of the keels of three scout-cruisers of 7,000 and 8,000 tons each, costing 70 million francs, and of six destroyers, 12 torpedo-boats, and 12 submarines of 1,100 tons each.
The uncompleted battleship Bearn is to be converted into an aeroplane carrier.
The total expenditure involved is estimated at 755,000,000 francs. It will be spread over a period of three years.—Reuter.
America Abbors War But Must Be Armed.
New York, June 8.
Mr. Weeks, Secretary of War, addressing the graduates of the University, declared that he abhorred war, but that for America to be the first to disarm would be the height of folly. Feverish military preparations were proceeding among those with whom America might possibly come in contact.
He refused to give a moment's consideration to the possibility of war between America and Great Britain. "Such a conflict," he said, "would be the end of civilization."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.