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February 5, 1965, 10,00 AM London, Old Admiralty Building, London



A very important meeting was beeing held that morning in grand meeting room of Old Admiralty Building. Old building had a really rich history. It saw Royal Navy in time when she was by far the strongest naval power in the world. But, alltrough outside observer could think that current status of Royal Navy isn't much weaker, man with better informations would laugh on something like that. The truth was that Royal Navy was declining force that was daily falling behing by US Navy. The reason for that was simple, UK wasn't anymore capable for paying massive naval costs. And the purpose of this meeting was somehow ensure that Royal Navy, despite inevitable decay, remains potent force.

The present on meeting were:



Lord Mountbatten of Burma, Chief of Defence Staff


Admiral of Fleet Sir David Luce, First Sea Lord
Admiral Sir Desmond Dreyer, Second Sea Lord
Admiral Sir Horace Law, Third Sea Lord
Vice Admiral Sir Raymond Hawkins, Fourth Sea Lord
Vice Admiral Sir Frank Hopkins, Fifth Sea Lord

Someone outside of meeting hall could easily hear shouting inside. But, what was the source of that?
Lord Mountbatten said: I KNOW THAT FLEET NEEDS LARGE CARRIERS! YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAYING THAT TO ME! But do understand please, that this country at the moment has no enough money for all projects!

David Luce said: I understand that Sir Louis, but this country is in fact a island! And needs bloody Navy more than other services.

Lord Mountbatten: I understand that David, I WAS at your place only six years ago. And I said the same thing to our political masters in Whitehall. Do you know what they want to do? Do you?

David Luce: No, but I can presume...

Lord Mountbatten: I'll tell you what they want to do! They want to pull this country from East of Suez! And want to change the Royal Navy accordingly. To turn she in North Atlantic force with specialisation in chasing Soviet submarines and escorting american convoy's to Europe! That means an end of all fleet carriers.

Demond Dreyer interrupted: With respect Sir Louis, that's hardly a something new.
Other sea lords agreed with that.


To be continued....
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