AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1922, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN* AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION THE AMERICAN NAVY. WASHINGTON, Dee. 3. Mr Edwin Denby, Secretary of tiie Navy, reporting on the condition of the ‘Navy to President Harding, declares the Satisfaction of the Navy Department with the naval ratio of the Washington Conference. He skys: “In the past, owing to the laek of a definite naval policy, and the more pressing need for building up our naval strength in capital ships, it has been impossible to maintain a a ellrounded navy. I feel it my duty to report that in certain types, such as last erhiseis, iUrcraft-carriel'S, seagoing submarines .v.id aircraft, the navv is deficient, it is not my intention this year, in view of the financial condition of tlie. country to make iceonuneiulations for an increase in the navy of these branches, but i recommend that, as soon as the conditions warrant it, Congress should make such an increase as will tend to balance our fleet and make and keep it equal with any in the world. The fundamental naval policy of the United States should be the foregoing, and we should hold it until such time as other Powers, by their departures from tlie idea of suspended competition in naval armament, indicate other procedure. Tlie United States Navy, until such time, may be governed in its naval strength by the spirit of the- capital ships’ ratios.” Mr Denby pointed out that the navy manoeuvres and operations last ycai were seriously hampered hv insufficient appropriations for fuel, and made if extremely embarrassing for the Com-manders-in-Chief of the Atlantic and Pacfiie fleets. He asks Congress to make appropriations for so many burro Is of oil and tons of coal, irrespective of price.

(I.KAI EXCEAU AIFFT3 HAD DING. WASHINGTON, Dee. 5. Clemoueeau called on President Harding and conferred tor 45 minutes ft has not been revealed what transpired. WHOLESALE ARSON CLAIMED. (Deceived this day at 9.30 a.in.) OTTAAVA, -December 6. The burning of Sulpician church at Oka in the province of Quebec, one of the several recent fires in Catholic churclies, has disclosed the fact that Mayor Aim-tin recently received several communications signed “Kit Klnx Klan.” claiming responsibility for the Montreal University fire a fortnight ago, and threatening to burn other Rom an Catholic buildings. The St. Ronefaiee fire, cabled on 25th. November followed shortly afterwards. The Afontreal fire, fortunately only did slight damage. AMEHICA CONGRATULATES. (Deceived this day at 9.30 a. n.) NEW YORK, December 6. The press welcomes the Irish - Free State and congratulates the Irish and English peoples upon the cessation of strife which had lasted more ’than a century. The “Herald” advises Ireland to look upon Canada and Australia and draw a lesson. The “Times” heralds the event as one of the most important in the world’s history and prints a long poem honouring Ireland.