The Fighting Forces

The Navy. The entire fighting strength of the British Navy began manoeuvres off the Balearic Islands in the Spanish Mediterranean. Admiral of the Fleet Earl Beatty witnessed the operations which included a night attack against an imaginary enemy fleet.

In answer to a host of adverse criticism which appeared in the press of France, Spain and Italy, the Admiralty let it be known that, in sending the Fleet to the Mediterranean, it was only returning to the historic policy, temporarily abandoned 15 years ago, of using that sea as a base.

It was announced by a "high authority" that, if the Dominions concur, the Singapore naval base (TIME, Dec. 24) will not be built.

The Army. Although the Army estimates for this year have been cut -L-7,000,000, the strength of the Army will not be reduced. The saving is principally to be effected by a steady withdrawal of troops from Egypt, Turkey, Mesopotamia and Palestine.

The War Office expected to speed up recruiting by making the service more attractive. Officers' careers, in particular, will be made more desirable by a rearrangement of the merit and promotion system. It is hoped that by assuring intelligent men a future they can be encouraged to compete for commissions.

The Air Force. The Air Force estimates showed an increase of -L-2,500,000 over those of last year, or -L-14,511,000 in all. Despite economies that will be effected in withdrawing the Air Force from Mesopotamia and Palestine the Air Force is to be increased by 24 squadrons during the next two years, which means that Britain will have about 200 aeroplanes to protect her from aerial aggression in 1925. For further details see Page 22.)