ARMAMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1927, Page 2

ARMAMENTS.

u.s.a. Call. [Australian & X.Z. Cable Association.] WASHINGTON, Feb. 11. President Coolidgc lias transmitted to the Powers a memorandum, proposing a conference in regard to armaments. The U.S.A. Ambassadors have handed copies to the Powers. The memorandum outlines the reasons actuating- the American Government in. making nroposings, but generally covers the same ground. The memorandum stresses that it would he impossible in the near future to expect all the world to agree to a comprehensive plan covering all classes and types • of armament, hut failure to agree upon a definite, even if only partial agreement for limitations would constitute a set-back to the cause of international peace Tt then points out that the final Geneva Conference will probably not he able to meet during tfio present year and the coming into effect of the agreements reached by it might he delayed for a considerable period for a multitude of reasons. The American Government- therefore Believes that those Powers which are in a position to engage in further limitations now, would not he justified in postponing the efforts in that direction.

LONDON, Feh. 11. / Air MacDonald describes the U.S.A. memorandum as a most significant \ event. Members of Parliament show keen interest on the proposal. Tho Admiralty argues for tt higher naval allowance ’ for Britain in view of her trade routes. LONDON. Feb. 12. President Coolidge’s armament conference memorandum continues to attract attention. The Daily Telegraph points out that, ns far as Britain, is concerned, it is apparent that the mural problems to which President Coolidge refers concerns not only Britain but the population of the Dominions. They were represented at the Washing- —4 ton Conference, and any action which this country should take must be in full harmony with tho younger nations.

The Daily Express hopes that there will be no attempt to iajiore or repudiate President Coolidge’s friendly gesture.

GENEVA. Feb. ]?. President Coolidge’s proposals were most unexpected, but they were received as the greatest single advance hitherto made for world disarmament. They are tantamount to transferring the discussion of naval disarmament from AVashington to iTrnevn. BERLIN, Feh. 11. u The German Foreign Office Spokes- ’V, man welcomes President Coolidge’s proposal for a conference on armaments. Ho states that he believes that the United States is the most qualified country to assume the initiative in disarmament. because it has no axe to grind. * ROME, Feh. 11. Tt is practically assured that Italy will accept President Coolidge’s invitation. though she is certain to claim equality with Franco in naval building.

JAPANESE VIEW

TOKYO, Feb. 12. The keynote of the vernacular press comment regarding the disarmament proposal is that it will be welcomed in principle, though it- is regarded as difficult of achievement. The application of the five-five-three ratio to all classes of vessels is unanimously opposed There is an underlying fooling that this proposal is closely connected with American internal politics as the U.S.A. President considers that the first step should be-a spiritual armament limitation,, in which he includes the suspension .of the constructon of the Singapore naval base, and the modification of American imigration legislation, which the papers regard as disturbing elements. PARIS, Fob. 11.

The press here received President Coolidge’s proposals coolly, considering that a limitation of small cruising craft would he damaging to France. “T.o Temps” expresses the opinion that the proposals are essential to those of a country not fearing a land attack. France is determined to solve the disarmament problem by way of Geneva, it says, and not through "Washington, on the basis that the naval, military and air forces are inseparable, while war potentiality, including that of population, resources, industrial development. and geographical situation must also ho considered.

THE ALTERNATIVE

NEW YORK, Feb 12

The New York Times Washington correspondent states: A feeling exists here that President Coolidge’s Disarmament proposals will he futile, but there is a rather general opinion that they will not only test the good faith of the chief naval Powers, but will also clear the way for the determination of the future American naval policy. The President expects the proposals to ho accepted as lie feels that if the naval situation is clarified by the conference, the way will be cleared for an ■ agreement upon the standard of land and air armaments curtailment. The memljors of tho Senate Naval Affairs Committee have issued a joint statement fo show that to bring the Tinted States to naval equnlify with Britain, it would he necessary to enter on a tremendous building programme. It is thought here that Britain and Japan will accept President Cooßdge’s invitation, hut France is regarded as a stumbling block.