Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1922, Page 3

Washington Conference.

PACIFIC FORTIFICATIONS. (From the Special Representative of tho Australian* Press Association.) WASHINGTON, January- 11. It can now be stated it was- on Mr Pearce’s initiative) ’’that the British delegation took up the question of fortifications in the Pacific, and maintenance of the status quo. The 'treaty provided that all parts of the Pacific come under its provision except the mainlands of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and mandated islands. Mr Pearce pointed out to Mr Balfour that this was unsatisfactory' to Australia, where without in any way threatening Japan, she might desire to increase her fortifications on an island round the coast, whereas the first agreement had the object of securing Japan against a threat from United States and others in the North Pacific. Mr Balfour, accepted tlio view and put the case to the head of the delegation, Kata who agreed, subject to confirmation from Tokio. The present plan is to define the Pacific zones in which fortifications may or may not be proceeded with. Japan’s acquiescence to the arrangements is confidently' expected.

SCRAPPING OF BATTLESHIPS. Received This Day at 12.25 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan 12. One of the matters calling for further discussion perhaps in reference to the Admiralty, concerns the methods of scrapping ships. These are six in , number, but United States thinks the , spirit of the agreement would be more observed by sinking, therefore is pres- ; sing for ns many as possible ti< I a dis-. ; posed of by this means. The British favour utilisation in one or other way specified. France will always be found \ opposing Britain. United States Sup- J ports its contention on the ground that if battleships are preserved even if unarmoured, it is possible in the event of war to reconvert them into fighting machines. 'France herself will have little scrapping to do. Japan sides with Britain, hoping to find some commer- ! cial value for the doomed vessels. Italy supports United States.