ARMAMENTS

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 49, 21 November 1921, Page 5

ARMAMENTS

NAVY LIMITATION PLAN UNITED STATES OPPOSED TO ALTERATION OF RATIO COMPLETE NAVAL HOLIDAY ESSENTIAL The United States is strongly opposed to any alteration of the ratio proposed for capital ships, but is willing to discuss amendment of the plan regarding auxiliary ships. She regards a complete naval holiday for a decade as essential to the success of her disarmament scheme. Sir John Salmond has been greatly impressed by the sincerity, definiteness, and practical statesmanship displayed by the Americans, and firmly believes that the Conference will be successful. By- Telegraph—Preea Association—Ooorrlght (Rec. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, November 18. The Australian Press Association understands ,that America is strongly opposed to any alteration of the ratio of five-five-threo for capital ehips, which was put forward after the fullest consideration. It also represents the basis of existing fleets, with some generosity to- , wards Japan. If one Power demands that its ratio be increased, others will follow suit, Thereby introducing the competition element which brought about naval rivalry. America is whiling to discuss an amendment of the plan regarding auxiliary ships, of which Britain wants a larger proportion. America regards a complete naval holiday, involving the cassation of all shipbuilding for a decade, including replacements, ns essential fen the success of her plan for disarmament. Owing io the feeling in America against participating in international treaties and the difficultly of getting the Senate’s sanction, which the Constitution renders essential, it is understood that the American delegation desires the Conference result to be a general agreement; as distinct from a treaty, in the settlement of the disarmament and Far Eastern questions. It is pointed out that the sanction of Congress for the destruction of Government property, involving the scrapping of ships, is not necessary. The President possesses power to authorise the destruction of any warship the naval authorities declare is no longer useful.—Special to Australian Press Assn. ’ THE FIVE-FIVE-THREE RATIO BASED ON EXISTING STRENGTH. (Rec. November 20, 11.5 p.m.) Washington, November 19. The Australian Press Association understands that the ratio of five-five-three is based on existing strength, and takes into consideration all capital ships partially built, besides all commissioned ships, thus a ship fifty per cent, completed counts as half a ship her size; also the ration of five-five-three is generous to Japan, as the existing strength of the Japanese fleet is nearer'fifty than sixty per cent, of the American and British.— Special to Australian Press Assn. the Japanese navy CONTROVERSY REGARDING A NEW BATTLESHIP. (Re.c. November 20, 11.5 p.m.) Washington, November 19. The controversy regarding the Japanese strength centres more and more round the battleship Mutsu, which is to be scrapped, according i» the American plan. The Japanese newspapers contend that the Mutsu has been commissioned, not merely launched, as stated in Mr. Hughes’s speech on November 12, and is therefore in the same position as America’s California, which is the only capital ship among America’s construction programme of sixteen shij>s not to be scrapped—Special to Australian Press Assn. HUGHES PLAN~CLOSELY EXAMINED REACTION FOLLOWS OPTIMISM. Washington, November 17. There was bound io Ixj some reaction ■after the first glow of optimism regarding the Conference, and this is observable in diplomatic circles to-night. The broad outlines of Mr. Hughes’s proposals are unimpeachable, but as the details come under the consideration of naval experts the necessity for rigid examination and explanation by technical committees becomes more and more apparent. The naval advisers of all countries, especially Britain, have the heaviest responsibility thrust upon them, and realising this, their methods will be roost thorough. It must not be thought that any hitch is occurring, but until the position is more clarified progress in working out the details must necessarily be slow.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITAIN’S GREAT INFLUENCE A SIGNIFICANT CONFERENCE. (Rec. November 21, 0.5 a.m.) Washington, November 19. The opinion has "been advanced in wellinformed circles' that Britain will have a greater influence than any other nation in making or breaking the conference. It is definitely stated that the United States delegation expressed that view to the President. It is significant that Mr. Balfour and Admiral Kato held a conference with Mr. Hughes to-rlay. It is hinted that this had to do with Japan’s pressure regarding the increased tonnage ratio. This was reflected in an authoritative statement cabled in the afternoon wherein it was emphasised that the object of the Hughes plan was to end offensive naval war and stop naval competition. At the same time Japan has shifted consideration from submarines to airplane carriers, which she professes to require because hei’ towns are frail and inflammable, and need extra protection from air attack—Special to Australian Press Assn. SIR JOHN SALMOND’S HIGH HOPES greatly IMPRESSED BY AMERICANS’ SINCERITY. (Rec. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, November 18. After a week’s experience of the workings of the Conference on naval disarmament, Sir John Salmond to-night expressed the. firm belief that it was going to be successful. He has been greatly impressed by the sincerity, definiteness, and practical statesmanship displayed by the Americans. "At the same time,” he said, "certain unfounded expectations and impracticable idealism will be disappointed. It must bo remembered that the Conference is one of limitation, not abolition, of armament. Self-defence is a necessary permanent part of State activity. It will be the right and duty of every State to examine these proposals. With reference to requirements for national safety, the abolition of national preparedness is sentimentalism, but the limitation, cf armaments is practical statesmanship. Again, the proposal is not one of regulation of warfare, but of regulation of the actions of States in time of peace. On the outbreak of war every State would do its utmost in selfpreservation. Victory would not consent

to be restricted by agreement governing the use and nature of its weapons. Naval agreement cannot be permanent and irrevocable. States cannot bo expected to tie their hands for all time regardless of change in the situation. Although tho nations agreed to the principles of tho American proposals, agreement as to details is not to be expected to-day or to-morrow. Everything must be carefully examined and thought out in ordtrr to avoid the possibility of futuro misunderstanding. Agreement must involve readiness to give and take on behalf of all the States concerned, but I am certain that if sufficient wisdom and sincerity are displayed by all parties, thev will successfully overcome all such difficulties.’’—Special to Australian Press Assn. BRITISH LABOUR MANIFESTO REDUCTIONS SCHEME WELCOMED. (Ree. November 20, 11.5 p.mJ London, November 19 A manifesto issued on behalf of the British Labour movement points out that no solid friendship co-operation between Britain and America can exist until tho Irish question is equitably settled. British Labour welcomes and accepts whole-heartedly tho programme for the substantial progressive reductions proposed by America, and calls for an extension of the proposals to all forms of armament. Labour recognises tho reasons for the widespread hostility of America against the continuance the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, and holos that the Alliance should not be renewed'. Under no alliance will Labour bo dragged into war with America. Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

WILL GLADLY ACCEPT LOSS CAUSED BY CARRYING OUT OF DISARMAMENT PLAN MR. CHARLES SCHWAB THRILLED BY SCHEME. New York, November 18. Mr. Charles Schwab (chairman of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation), in a speech at a dinner in honour of Marshal l*och, said: “I had tho largest war material manufacturing works in tho world. My company's shipyards and th® Bethlehem Steel Corporation built more naval ehips than were built in any yards under one management in America; but I have beep thrilled beyond expression by the brilliant and statesmanlike scheme of Mr. Hughes. The carrying out of that plan may involve great monetary loss in some quarters, but such things as financial loss can be of no consideration when compared with the inestimable boon to mankind which is involved in the realisation of that magnificent plan. May God speed the day when the noble conception can be realised. I say to you from the bottom of my heart that if the statesmen now at Washington should find it possible to bring about disarmament and permanent peace, gladly would I see the war-making machinery of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation sunk to the bottom ot tho ocean. Tho American iron and si eel industry will gladly and willingly accept any money loss disarmament inflicts on us.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITAIN’S NEW WARSHIPS ADMIRALTY NOT INCURRING FURTHER LIABILITY NOTIFICATION TO CONTRACTORS. London, November 18. In consequence of the proposals at the Washington Conference, the Admiralty has informed contractors on tho Clyde that tho Department will not incur further liability in respect of new warships. • The instruction limits operations to intermediate commitments for which tho Admiralty is already liable. This does not entail tho immediate cessation of all preliminary work. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. /CONSTERNATION ON THE CLYDE STEEL -WORKS ORDERED TO BE CLOSED. ( London. November 18. There 'ls consternation on the Clydeside over the Admiralty’s decision to drop the construction of three of the new warships, which were expected to provide for three years*’work, and wages totalling fifteen millions. Beardmore’s have already ordered the closing of the Parkhead steal works, where the furnaces were only relit for a few days after a period of idlon-ss. It is understoodMhal: the Admiralty’s order will not involve delay if the Washington plan is not confirmed. Admiral 'Kerr, in an interview, expressed the opinion that Britain already hail sufficient battleships for Europe, though those used overseas were not of much use. It would be much cheaper, he said, to compensate tho contractors than to proceed with work which might bo scrapped Commander Bellairs, A1.1’., said be thought tho psychological effect of tno Admiralty’s action, ns evidence of Britain’s good faith, was more valuable than’the material saving at. the present juncture of the Washington Conference. —Aus.-NZ. Cable Assn. 3000 WORKMEN AFFECTED SHEFFIELD FIRM’S CRITICISM. (Rec. November 29, 5.5 p.m.) London, Novemlier 18. Three thousand workmen at Parkhead are immediately affected by the closing of the Beardmore’s steel works. The suspension of work at Clydeside surprised Sheffield firms, who did not expect such a quick decision. Sheffield is idready suffering severely through unemployment. Sheffield firms criticise the proposed ten years' naval holiday on the ground that production of armour and guns can only be kept at n high level by constant practice. 'A long cessation would find the country fn a seriously weakened condition when the time came to resume operations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DECISION DISCUSSED AT WASHINGTON SIMILAR ACTION BY UNITED STATES' FAVOURED. (Rec. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, November 18. There was great" discussion at Washington to-day regarding the British action in stopping the construction of four super-Hoods. Public and political opinion strongly favours similar action by the United States. The argument. is freely used ffiat unless she does so she will lose the initiative of the Disarmament Conference, seeing that this is the second occasion where Britain has offered to go further than Mr. Hughes’s plan in the interests of the. cause. A motion is now before the Senate calling on the. Administration to cease construct’.™ work’on battleships. Supporters of Hie motion claim that flic British action has enormously strengthened their hands. Official circles cannot be drawn, though the indications at present are that they decline to follow suit—Special to Australian Press Assn. AN IRONIC_COMMENTARY LAUNCH OF AMERICAN SUPERDREADNOUGIIT. (Rec. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 18. The "Daily Express” states that tho Clydeside suspension decision is criticised in naval shipbuilding circles in London. It is pointed out that the immediate moral effect may be considerable, but if the Washington Conference fails and orders have to bo given to hasten work next spring, the ultimate effect on the world will be the reverse of that now desired. An ironic commentary on the international situation lies in the fact that on tho day on which work on British ships ceased America, launched

the super-Dreadnought West Virginia. A question insistently asked to-day is:’ "Was thp advice and concurrence of Admiral Beatty asked before tho order to suspend work was issued?” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. POWERFUL AND OOsAa” VESSEL. (Ree. November 25, 11.5 p.m.) New York, November 19. A telegram from Newport News, Virginia, states that tho battleship West Virginia, scheduled as the most powerful vessel in the American Navy, was launched to-day. The vessel is 62-1 feet long, and of 32,000 ' is, and has eight 16-inch guns, fourteen 5-inch, and four 3-inch, also anti-ainr. I t guns anjli two torpedo tubes. She has already cost fifteen million dollars, and it is intended to spend ten million dollars more if she is completed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. JAPANESE BATTLESHIP LAUNCHED ON LIST OF VESSELS PROPOSED TO BE SCRAPPED. Tokio, November 18. The battleship Kaga, of 39,900 tons, one of those proposed to be scrapped under tho Hughes plan, was launched today in the presence of 30,000 people.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TO-DAY’S SESSION OF CONFERENCE IMPORTANT SPEECH BY FRENCH PREMIER. (Rec. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, November 18. The ne.xt plenary session will be held on Monday. M. Briand is expected to make a very important speech, outlining France’s intentions regarding sea and land disarmament. —Special to Australian Press Assn. FRANCE’S”POSITION CANNOT WAIT TILL DANGER COMES. (Rec. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, November 18. M. Briand, interviewed by the Australian Press Association, said: "Wo are peacemakers. If it had not been that France has a strong army, war would have broken out four times since the armistice. Too many people think that because Germany was beaten everything is all right and France can disarm. If tho rest of the world tells France they will como to her assistance, wo will disarm; but not if they tell us to wait till danger comes before preparing to meet it. , That is what has happened to France several times in the last hundred years. America feels the need of a large navy for a danger that is remote. France feels the need of a large army for a danger that is at hand. If France can get an agreement for peace in Europe, such as America is seeking in the Far East, our reduction in the army will far exceed the navy reduction plan. All of Mr. Balfour’s arguments in favour of more auxiliary craft apply to France. We have possessions in three oceans. France also wants submarines. They are the arm of the weak.” —Special to Press Assn. GERMANY’S AIRCRAFT CONSIDERATION BY CONFERENCE DEMANDED. Paris, November. 18. M. Fanck, a member of the Chamber of Deputies, and a former war aviator, writing in tho “Petit Journal,” Idelmands that the -Washington Conference shall consider the disarmament of Germany in regard to aircraft. He declares that the French members of tho Inter-Allied Commission ..ire convinced' that Germany still possesses enormous quantities of aircraft material, and is making much technical progress. He believes that the Commission will propose to remove the embargo against Germany manufacturing aircraft. He is of opinion that if France allows the Allies to decide naval strengths, she ought to decide tho matter of aircraft armaments. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CHINESE~PROPOSALS

UNITED STATES IN GENERAL ACCORD JAPAN IN AGREEMENT WITH PRINCIPLE. Washington, November 17. It is believed that the United Slates is in general accord with the Chinese proposals, and may have been consulted before they were presented. The fact that Mr. Hughes, at the opening session of the Far Eastern Committee, referred first of all to China’s position, lends colour to this assumption. Mr. Hughes also indicated that America wholeheartedly supports the open door, and placated Japan by pointing out that when tho door is open she will be on the threshold, and will be the first to enter and profit by tho new arrangement. Such comment as has been made in Japanese quarters on the Chinese proposals indicate that Japan is in agreement therewith in general principle. Tn many aspects they accord with the summary of Japan's vie,vs cabled on Tuesday.'— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. [The message referred to stated: Japan is willing to withdraw from Shantung, and seeks neither annexation nor a protectorate. - Tn connection with Manchuria, she insists that her special interests be based on propinquity, large investments in railways, rnd the wellsettled Jnnnne.se population. She also regards Manchuria as important from the standpoint of the protection of Japan against possible future Russian aggression. She wants nothing in Siberia except the right to penetrate peacefully for raw material and trade, and is ready to withdraw when that can bo done safely as the result cf the establishment of some Government qualified to give protection. She favours I ho open door, equality of opportunity, and also u consortium as a means of controlling the expenditure of loaned moneys, and favours the stabilisation of China as the possible nearest customer to Japan.] STATEMENT BY ADMIRAL KATO JAPAN SOLICITOUS FOR. CHINA’S JUST ASPIRATIONS. (Rec. November 20, 11.5 p.m. Washington, November 19. To-day Admiral Kato issued a statement to tho effect that the Japanese delegation is of opinion that existing difficulties in regard to China lie no less in the domestic situation than external relations. “We aro anxious to see peace and unity re-established at the earliest possible moment, but want to avoid all action which might be construed as inten-ention in China’s external affairs. It seems to us that all the Conference can achieve is to adjust China’s foreign relations, leaving the Chinese themselves to work out the domastic situation. The Japanese delegation wishes to assure tho Chinese delegation and the whole Conference that Japan has every desire to cultivate the happiest relations within China. Japan is solicitous, and is making whatever contributions she is capable of towards China’s realisation of her just and legitimate aspirations, entirely uninfluenced by any policy of territorial aggrandisement in any part of China. We adhere unconditionally and unreservedly to the principle of the open door and equal opportunity, and look to China for tho supply of essential raw materials and foodstuffs. In purchasing the same Japan does not claim any special rights and privileges, and welcomes fair anil honest competition. Regarding the question of abolition of extra-territoriality, Japan intends to join the other delegations in an endeavour l to como to n fair and salisfactoi-y arrangement. Japan coroos to the Conference not .to advance any selfish interests, but Io co-oporate with all nations interested for tho purpose of ensuring peace in tho Far East. The Japanese delegation understands

that the principal object of the Conference is..jLo establish a common accord of policies and principles, and deprecates undue protraction of the discussions and detailed examination of innumerable minor matters.” Mr. Balfour 1 pointed out that all the principles, such as the open door and China’s integrity, have been formulated over and over again by Britain. Other delegates spoke in similar terms of sympthetio co-operation.—Special to Australian Press Assn. CHINESE FAVOURABLY IMPRESSED (Rec. November 21, 0.30 a.m.) Washington, November 19. Chinese circles to-night expressed themselves rather favourably towards the Japanese statement, though they foresee (trouble regarding the definition between foreign and' domestic matters. This, coupled with the Japanese desire that the Conference shall not discuss matters of detail, creates a feeling in the Chinese mind that Japan may want to take a hand in putting China on her feet. On tho other hand, the Japanese say Admiral Kato’s- statement is fair and unselfish, and harmonised the particular interests cf China with tho general interest of tho world.—Special to Australian Press Assn. BRITISH ATTITUDE ELUCIDATED INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION SOUGHT. (Rec. November 20, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, November 18. The British attitude toward the Chinese proposals was elucidated this morning. A high authority explained that the British came to the Conference with every desire to do the utmost possible to rehabilitate China and enable it to take its place among the nations of the world. Britain is most anxious that China should become a peaceful and stable community, so that Britain and other nations may enjoy the benefits of the vast trade of the country. In that respect British interests are identical with those of other nations, especially America. Any special rights Britain enjoys in- China will be dealt with for the general well-being. She doos not wish to bo selfish, and knows that the open door is the best method of creating ths commercial prosperity of all concerned Britain’o object regarding China is international eo-operation. She wishes io see flue country developed for the benefit of the Chinese, knowing that this will benefit also all other trading nations. Regarding extra-territorial rights, it is pointed out th,'it the Anglo-Chinese Treaty of 1902, Article 12, specially provided that these should eease when Chinese administration ~’'<k-.*»istice ensure just treatment of BfllHinationals. This attitude is in line with' the French statement, and the twenty yetvrs older China must bo free to carry out its own destinies. —Special to Australian Press Assn. FRENCH DELEGATES’ VIEWS LAND ; DISARMAMENT AND THE FAR EAST. Washington, November 17. The French delegates are beginning to make themselves heard at the Conference. M. Briand, of course, is anxious to get his ■ views on land disarmament before the Conference, and probably he will be given an opportunity at the next plenary meeting. Meantime the French delegates are letting it be known that they aro unwilling that an armament agreement should be made without reference to the Far East settlement. Regarding the latter they want France and China included in any arrangement which might be suggested as taking tho place of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. France is supporting China’s proposals in principle, and is willing to abandon both territorial and extra-territorial privileges if the other nations will do the same, and when China is able to give protection io foreigners, but maintains that Indo-China never belonged to China, though she is ready to discuss the rectification of the boundary. The delegates declare sympathy with Japan’s desire for expansion in raw materials and for open dealings of the Powers with China without secret negotiations. Further consideration of the Far Eastern questions has been postponed in consequence of Admiral Kato’s request that several days’ time be given the Japanese delegation to consider China’s proposals before they are discussed by the Conference. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE OPINION TN TOKIO TURNED AGAINST RENEWAL. Tokio, November 18. Japanese editorials and semi-official comment have suddenly turned against the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Tho substitution of an American-British-Japaneso understanding is being urged as highly desirable—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.