AMERICAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 February 1928, Page 2

AMERICAN NEWS

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

EXPORT OF A RAIS. WASHINGTON, Jan. 30.

President Coolidge, addressing Government departmental heads said the construction programme for the Navy is now receiving consideration of Congress. The authorisation in 1916 was the last complete navy programme and that has been practically completed. The recommendation now Gofore Congress is to replace obsolete* vessels and to moderately increase our naval strength. We* contemplate orderly const ruction procedure—nothing more. It is contemplated that the construction programme will he carried out as e-.mdit iun> dictate, and treasury balances warrant. It considers our own requirements alone and carries no thought el entry into competitive i oust met ion with any other nation. The plan I have endorsed does not contemplate any limitation of the time relative to beginning or completion. This is a tentative programme. hut it. docs contemplate building the ships as fast as possible. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives unanimously reported to the House to-day flic resolution by Representative Burton, providing for prohibition against the exportation of arms and munitions or implements of war. to any nation engaged in warfare with another. The resolution would prohibit private citizens of a neutral nation supplying the belligerents except under particular circumstances, permitiod by acts of Congress. Viola! lon m ibis provision emails ;i fine ~f ten thousand dollars or two .ears’ imprisonment. Represnfative Porter, Chairman of ihe Committee, hoped if Congress passed the resolution, similar action would he taken in Britain, Japan, Franco and other countries manufacturing munitions on a large scale.

A.M Fit I CAN FINANC'D FOR RUSSIA WASHINGTON. .lan. 30.

Ilic State Department is expected to oojec! to l in* dotation of a Russian railway loan in the United States considering the proposals arc made for it merely as a means to circumvent the general American policy against Russian 11 iiii nci ng here. I US. PRESIDENCY. .WASHINGTON, Jam. 60. The. concern that prohibition leaders of tlie Coiiniry feel over the possible nomination of Governor Smith as tho Democratic candidature for the Presidency. is sharply emphasised by the publication on behalf of the Methodist Church liciti*H Conference, of a statement that all large prohibition organisations would combine against it. Tlie statement added: “Prohibitionists will demand that only a dry candidature shall he selected by either of the great political parties.” Repmseiitative Ti Ison, official Republican leader of the House, has issued a statement opposing tariff revision prior to the Presidential election. hut suggesting that it would he woleonu* later, as changes in conditions of production here and abroad have ooenrerd since I In* last revision in 1922 which doubtless call for adjustment.