THE SUBMARINE

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 80, 28 December 1921, Page 5

THE SUBMARINE

PLAN FOR REDUCTION OF TONNAGE FRANCE’S ATTITUDE CAUSING DELAY BRITAIN’S FIGHT FOR ABOLITION There is no indication yet of France’s reply to. the plan for reducing the maximum limit for submarine tonnage. The British are continuing their fight for the abolition of submarines. Mr. Balfour’s arguments and array of facts have swung many listeners from open opposition. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Rec. December 27, 9.20 p.m.) Washington, December 27. Owing to the French delegation not having received definite replies to cable messages sent to Paris, there will be no meeting of tho Naval Committee till Wednesday. These continual delays, due to France’s unaccommodating attitude, are proving most irritating to the various delegations. There is no indication whatever regarding France’s reply, but it is possible that she will present an alternative either of tonnage as high as Britain’s or another conference. Tho British fight for the abolition of the submarine is continuing. Widespread comment everywhere has characterised the splendid example and cogent reasoning not only as a personal triumph for Mr. Balfour, but one of the few examples where the arguments and array of facts, have swung many listeners from open opposition, a long way towards favouring the abolition of the submarine. —Special to Australian Press Assn. FRENCH IMITATION AGAINST BRITAIN “TWISTING THE LION’S TAIL ” ADVERSE COMMENT ON CLAIM FOR INCREASED TONNAGE. Washington, December 26. Observers in close touch with the French delegates dwell on their bitterness at what they term the inconsiderate way they have been treated by the conference. It hurts their pride that they were not called into the deliberations concerning naval armaments until the “Big Throe" had settled the ratio. They were then told in effect that they must accept. This feeling of soreness is manifesting itself not only in their unaccommodating attitude over the extravagant -demands for tonnage both of capital ships and submarines, though they are perfectly aware that these cannot be secured, but also in intense irritation against Britain, who they feel has outmanoeuvred ■ them throughout. Therefore, they have engaged in the old game of “twisting the lion’s tail.” This was apparent, though it was expressed by perfect politeness by both Admiral de Bon and aI. Sarraut during the submarine discussion. As an instance, there is a sting even in M. Sarraut’s tribute to the part played in the war by the British Navy, which, "working with the French navy, did' so much to make victory certain. Many other similar veiled sneers -occurred during the debate, until even the urbane Mr. Balfour reminded them that anybody looking at the matter from a strictly strategical and tactical viewpoint, would certainly conclude, from the geographical position, that lrar.ee wanted to build a large mass of submarines against Britain. This brought a back-down from M. Sarraut, and more compliments and disavowals; but tho in--.ident was illuminating. Possiblj 7 this irritation has obscured the French delegates’ reasoning and prevented them realising the result of their actions. There is no doubt that their asking for «.n enormous increase of tonnage at a conference specially -called for limitation is the subject of much adverse comment nmdng all the delegations, so .that France, if she maintains, her position, faces the danger of isolation, which M. Briand is so anxious about. This may be tho cause of the assertions from Paris that France intends to suggest, as the price of her conceding submarine restriction, the, formulation of multiple power treaties dealing with the Atlantic and the Mediterranean in the same way as the Four-Power Pact deals -ffith the Pacific.' It is most doubtfuHSvhether this will be acceptable to tile American Administration, which must consider the attitude of the Ornate.—Special to Australian Press Assn. TREATIES AND THE U.S. SENATE OPPOSITION WEAKENING PUBLIC OPINION DEMANDING RATIFICATION. (Rec. December 27, 9.20 p.m.) Washington. December 27. It is stated to-night that treaties will not bo placed before the Senate until tho conference is finished, but the opposition there is weakening. Senator Underwood, the Democratic leader and American idol<r)ate, lias -advised that they will not he made a party question at the coming elections of tho Congress and Senate. The Democrats have decided to refrain from criticism. Thus party men on both sides have been counted as supporting the treaties, the only opposition coming from a small group of irrcconciliables. The real fact of the matter is that the Senators having an ear to tho ground realised that they had aroused public opinion, which demanded the ratification of any instruments having the object of the reduction of the cost of armaments and making towards peace.—Special to Australian Press Assn. FAR EASTFRN QUESTIONS . PROGRESS BEING MADE. (Rec. December 27, 9.20 p.m.) Washington, December 27. Matters in the Far Eastern section of tho conference are not standing still, while attention has been focused on naval limitation. Besides the Chinese and Japanese conversations, various subcommittees are preparing recommendations regarding the tariff ready for the full conference. It is understood that China will not be allowed the full increase asked for. Other matters aro progressing, and it is predicted that once the naval matters have been decided the other questions will lie settled shortly.—Special to Australian Press Assn.