DISARMAMENT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19148, 3 November 1927, Page 9

DISARMAMENT.

BRITAIN'S POSITION. REDUCTION IN ARMY AND NAVY COSTS. (BRITISH oraciAL WUIELES-H.) RUGBY, November 1. fcir Douglas Hogg, Attorney-Genera), speaking on the disarmament question, said no one pretended that disarmament could not bo carried further in Europe to-day, but the oniy criticism that could be levelled at Great Britain'was that she had already disarmed so much that it was difficult for her to set an example* by disarming any further. No member of the Government would wish for one shilling more to be spent than was absolutely necessary for defence. In the year 1921-1922 £158,000,000 was spent on the effective services of the Army and Navy.. For the same services this year the Estirhates were £53,000,000.

In reference to Viscount Cecil's resignation from the Cabinet Sir Douglas Hogg said that none of his colleagues could feel anything but .keen regret that a man of such high principle ami integrity of purpose should no longer he available with his counsel and help. He was perfectly certain that Viscount Cecil would never say that he resigned from the Government because he felt any doubt that the Government was as sincere as he was in. its desire lor peace abroad, and the disarmament of the nations..

RUSSIA'S PARTICIPATION. SATISFACTION IN BRITAIN. (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) RUGBY, November 1. Satisfaction is generally expressed in London at the announcement that Russia is now prepared to participate in the work of the Preparatory Commission of the Disarmament Conference. ' The next meeting of the Commission takes place at Geneva on November 13th, when the main work is expected to be the appointment of a committee, in. accordance with the resolution of the •eighth Assembly of the League, to study the question of arbitration and security.

Commenting on Russia's decision the "Daily Chronicle" says: "So far as it Roes it is a distinctly hopeful development. The existence of Russia as an unknown quantity outside the League has barred the way to the achievement of any satisfactory solution of the security question " '/' lie "Manchester Guardian" says: "If it should prove that Russia is not only willing to join in the work of the Preparatory Commission but is also really anxious to hurry on the work of disarmament, the effect will be very great, and the construction of a peaceful Europe correspondingly facilitated. ,J