DISARMAMENT PROBLEMS

Evening Star, Issue 20062, 31 December 1928, Page 5

DISARMAMENT PROBLEMS

. THE PREPARATORY COMMISSION Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, December 28. It is understood that the first item on the Disarmament Commission's agenda will be the Soviet’s nlan for ar immediate 50 per cent, reduction of armaments; but this is likely to be submerged in the general discussion on the possibility of carrying out the League’s 1928 Assembly’s decisions. It is Imped that the first general disarmament conference will be held not later than 1930. —Australian Press Association. AMERICAN POSITION. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON. December 28. Continued participation by the United States in the discussions of the Pre-paratory-Commission for the Disarmament Conference at Geneva, on April If would seem from indications by the State Department officials to be assured, although official notification of the meeting has not been received. Unless there has 'been projected some satisfactory proposal for cruiser limitation, the Administration officials have little hope ol concrete progress from the meeting ol the Commission. The American position regarding cruisers and submarines is said to be unchanged from that urged at the Three-Power Conference at Geneva in 1927. The Government has, however, expressed its willingness tc rise its best efforts.to obtain a basis for further naval limitations which would be satisfactory to all the Powers. The United States is described as willing to consider in any conference the special needs of France, Italy, or any other Power for the particular class of vessel that is deemed most suitable for their defence. This attitude was expressed by Mr Kellogg in response to the Franco-British compromise—Australian Press Service,,