AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1925, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

[Reuters Telegrams.]

U.S.A. AIR ENQUIRY

WASHINGTON, February 21

The investigation re U.S.A. aircraft threatens to become a scandal, second only to the oil scandal. General Mitchell has definitely made a charge that no bombs were used in the socalled bombing of the battleship “Washington” and that the tests were a farce. He told the Committee of Inquiry; “ i think it is time the true story of the sinking of the Washington should be told. There were no bombs whatever used on her. There ■ were some charges let down in the water, which showed nothing whatever. Onely three thousand pound bombs were exploded, and the only other explosion was of two 10901 b charges set off in contact with the hull. The aeroplanes dropped sandbags on the deck showing the deck could be pierced but no airplane bombs were dropped. The 10001 b charges were set so far from the hull that they could do no damage. Seventeen shots were fired from 2500 yards range scoring 11 hits. She then sank'. Had they let us drop real bombs, we would hate demolished her immediately. General Mitchell ridiculed a report that two naval officers stood oil the Washington's decks while the air fleet dropped explosives. There was nobody on her. and no explosives were dropped. Anyone on her would have only got sand dust in his eyes. An airplane would gain 70 per cent, oi hits under ordinary conditions. lie referred to the report issued in 1921 by a joint Army and Navy Commission headed by General Rershing, which decided bombs were the easiest mans to destroy battleships. General Mitchell urged the Committee to witness the bombing of some ship. A member suggested the “North Dakota” was the best available. General Mitchell said anti-aircraft guns were practically useless. The Committee’s recall ol General I Mitchell to testify obviously has been ' to offset the movements by the Army and Navy Departments and others, who want to shut oil' the inquiry on 1 March 4. The Committee know ike , publication of General Mitchell’s testimony will offset this move. More dg- ] velopments arc expected.

MEXICAN RUNS AMOK. KILLS SIX WITH KNIFIC. MEXICO CITY, February 20. A telegram from Guaymas says: — Crazed from, smoking marihuana. 1 tailor Yalie ran amok in a hospital with a butchers’ knife, and killed six persons before he was subdued. Jle stabbed a cook and an attendant, and four patients, lliis. is the second case of a marihuana addict running aiujk (here, and the police are redoubling their efforts to stop traffic in the drug. DISARAM ENT. WASHINGTON. February 21. There is gratification lit British

willingness to co-operate in .America’s proposal lor a new conference on armaments limitation. Similar expressions from other nations are awaited. .President Coolidge feels the informal conversation with the other powers are not advanced far enough to commit him to calling a conference yet.

British Ambassador Howard told the English Speaking Union at Louisville that firm understanding between U.S.A., Britain and the British I) iminions making unthinkable the use of force to settle disputes among them would he the greatest step yet for peace. Re Geneva Protocol for compulsory arbitration, he could not pro lift its fate, hut Britain would not stand for any international agreement which might tiring her into serious couilict with America.