LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1927, Page 2

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

I Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.! NAVAL LIAIITS. GENEVA, April 7. Lively passages followed the resumption of tlte proceedings at the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament. Signor Do AlariTiis (Italy) apparently was feeling slighted by the private? discussions that have been going on beween AT. Boucour (France) and Lord Cecil (Britain) relating to naval disarmament, as indicated yesterday. Signor De ARirinis said that it would be a mistake to imagine that once agreement was reached by the two delegates mentioned, the remainder of the Commission would be prepared to accept that agreement. On the contrary. the delegates probably would refer tlie matter to their respective Governments. Lord Cecil intervened hastily to assure Signor Do Afarinis that there was no intention of forcing upon the Comjnission any agreement reached privately. Do Afarinis not seeming satisfied, Al. Honcour rose up and protested that no private negotiations were in progress. He lmd simply submitted to Lord Cecil, m writing, a new formula, based on yesterday’s discussion. Lord Cecil, however, who had previously told the Press that lie was negotiating with AI. Boucour, remained silent. Signor De Afarinis continued to argue the point. The Commissione adjourned, after two hours’ disputation. Later, Germany submitted a formal proposal demanding a limitation ot military material, including rifles, machine guns, all classes of howitzers, mortars, other artillery tanks, armoured cars, as well as ammunition. The Commission also considered the proposals to limit armament expenditure. AR- Gibson (America) opposed tins limitation, on the grounds that it would bo both impracticable atrl inequitable He in gued in favour of a direct, limitation of armaments. L declared that a country’s budgetary figures were not a sufficient criterion of limitation or otherwise of its armaments. Count Bernstorff also opposed a \ Budget limitation. The discussion was adjourned.