BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1929, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

(British Official Wireless.)

(Received this clay at 12.25. p.m.) ' “ RUGBY, April 25. ~ Sir A. Chamberlain, replying to a question in the Cotnmons, referring to a statement made by Mr Gibsop iu the Preparatory Commission op disarmaiment.J said shared'fully the hopes' and wishes of the Government of the United States ns therein set forth. The British Government equally with: the Government; of the United States, desired not more-?: |y a limitation, but a reduction of naval armaments. They -had, v-’Sndeed, themselves made proposals for such M general reduction and that reduction" should lie applied to,every class of war vessel. As between ourselves and tlijiUnited States such a difference as hashitherto existed has, not beeiw tfopcernF eel with these great principles, nor with the relative strength of our respectvie navies, hut with a determination of the categories into which ships of war should he divided. On this point the British Government have noted with much interest .that it wassuggested by Air Gibson tnev attach great importance to-the possibilitiesopened by a great elasticity given bv bis suggestions lor the adjustment of agreed naval strength to diffeient ciicumstances of the two powers. Finally they desire to express their warm appreciation ot tbc cordial and conciliating spirit shown by ithe American delegation and to give the : assurance that it is in the same spirit, and our most earnest wish to reach a complete agreement that will, consider the American suggestions.” v N-‘