Lord Fisher explained to those present that this Conference had been summoned with the approval of Mr. Churchill, primarily with the object of expediting the delivery of 20 submarines which were to be at once commenced, _but in the second place a big further building programme for a special purpose had been decided on_. The question of placing orders for submarines had been under consideration for some time past. The First Lord, however, had assented to the cancellation of all existing papers on this subject, _and a fresh start was to be made immediately on the lines of a special war routine_. All red-tape methods--very proper in time of peace--were now to be abandoned, and _everything must be entirely subordinated to rapidity of construction_. It was desired to impress upon all present the necessity of avoiding “paper” work, and of proceeding in the manner indicated in the secret memorandum which would be circulated next day in regard to the matter. Arrangements would be made in due course to obtain additional vessels of other types in a similar manner. _Note._--After this, a meeting of all the shipbuilding firms of the United Kingdom took place at the Admiralty under the presidency of Lord Fisher, and the programme mentioned above in italics was parcelled out there and then. BUILDING PROGRAMME. _Meeting on November 3rd, 1914, four days after Lord Fisher became First Sea Lord._ 5 Battle Cruisers of 33 knots speed of light draught. 2 Light Cruisers. 5 Flotilla Leaders. 56 Destroyers. 64 Submarines. 37 Monitors. 24 River Light Gunboats. 19 Whaling Steamers. 24 Submarine Destroyers. 50 Seagoing Patrol Boats. 200 Motor Barges, oil engines. 90 Smaller Barges. 36 Sloops. --- 612 Total. --- MEMORANDUM BY LORD FISHER, DATED NOVEMBER 3RD, 1914, ON LAYING DOWN FURTHER NUMBERS OF SUBMARINES. There is no doubt that at this moment the supply of additional submarine boats in the shortest time possible is a matter of urgent national importance. They will not be obtained unless the whole engineering and shipbuilding resources of the country are enlisted in the effort, and the whole of the peace paraphernalia of red-tape routine and consequent delay are brushed on one side. I have carefully studied the submarine question during my retirement and have had many opportunities of keeping in touch with the present position and future possibilities, and am convinced that 20 submarines can be commenced at once, and that the first batch of these should be delivered in nine months, and the remainder at short intervals, completing the lot in 11 or 12 months. NOTE.--_A dozen more were actually delivered in five months, and made the voyage alone from America to the Dardanelles._