AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1924, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

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U.S.A. NAVY. WASHLNO’fON, November 10. Mr William Shearer, whose charges that the I'nited States has excessively’ reduced its natal armaments were confirmed by .Messrs Roosevelt and Wilbur (its cabled on April 20 and May 10 and 22) lias obtained a temporary injunction, which is arguable on Friday. restraining Mr Wilbur from sinking the i.ew super-dreadnought AAaslijngton” in accordance with the Nava!

Limitation Treaty. A!i Shearer alleges that the destruction of this battleship "ill cause the loss of JO million dollars to the taxpayers, adding that the Arms Conference Treaties have not been ratified l.v all the signatories, and he argues that these Treaties are inoperative unless they are lompletc-Iy and tmivetsallv ratified.

Air Shearer suggests that the “Washington’’ should he converted into uu airplane carrier, until Congress clarifies the Treaty obligations. He says the Treaties permit Britain and the’ I’nited States a maximum capital ship tonnage of 528 thousand each, hut Britain continues to maintain 711 thousand tons, and has failed to scrap four of the vessels which the Treaties obliged her to destroy upon the completion of the two new ships “Rodney” and “Nelson”. Air Shearer’s t barges have caused no concern to the Navy Department, which plans to sink the “Washington” by detonating high explosive bombs within a designated radius, after which she will he used as a target for gunfire, if still aoat.