DISARMAMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 121, 18 November 1932, Page 8

DISARMAMENT

BRITAIN'S POLICY.

SIR J. SIMON AT GENEVA

United Press Association—By Electric Telev ' graph—Copyright. (Received ISth November, 2 p.m.)' LONDON, 17th November/ In the course of his speech at the Disarmament Bureau at Geneva Syr John Simon, Foreign Minister, outlining Britain's disarmament policy, emphasised the necessity of considering r-eographi-cal conditions, especially those of'« nation with world-wide overseas responsibilities. Britain was seeking an agreement to limit the size of capital ships. Investigation showed that the 10,000-tons limit would fail- of acceptance. The plan required that German, construction should not increase the category of tonnage to which her navy, was restricted. Britain's idea .of; 7000----ton six-inch gun cruisers approximated to the German limit.

Sir John Simon reiterated Britain^s desire for the abolition of submarines, "but insisted on Britain's retention of light tanks as an essential comp'ensa-, tion for her .small enlisted army. A' universal prohibition of tanks: would involve an increase in Britain's manpower. Consequently, .as a measure of disarmament it would defeat its own ends. Britain was prepared to accept the Hoover proposals regarding effectives and military effectives in. principle as a basis for discussion at Geneva, .

At the conclusion of his speech.Sir John Simon raised his hands in a gesturo toward Mr. : Arthur Henderson, the chairman, and said: .1 believe we have reached the turning point of the Conference.

..Mr. Henderson said that; as the Powers had shown a readiness to concede equality to Germany- in principle, he-hoped she would soon rejoin the Conference. • :