NAVAL PARITY

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1929, Page 5

NAVAL PARITY

A KNOTTY POINT. (United Prose Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). :' . London, Sept. 19. Italy has not yet shown her hand in, regard to naval disarmament, but “The Times’s” Rome correspondent says; .At present there is no reason to suppose that Italy’s attitude has in anywise changed from that of last year, when’ she undertook to accept any figure, howejver low, provided that it was not exceeded by any other Continental power. In other yvords, Italy is determined ever to maintain her right to a parity with France. The Washington Conference has recognised this parity as far as larger milts are concerned, but Italy wants it extended to light cruisers and submarines. It is insisted that such a recognition on the part ! 'of France must be a condition precedent to any concerted naval disarmament action between the two countries.

HOOVER’S HOPES. ECONOMY AND, FRIENDSHIP. WASHINGTON, . Sept. 18. The. naval disarmament negotiations were : described by President Hoover In a rudio, address as .proposals “which would preserve . our .national defences,. and ,yet r jvonld relieve, the backs of -those who toil from gigantic expenditures, and the world from the hate; and fear which follows from rivalry ' in,^ building warships.” This is the first time that the President has mentioned the ■ subject of disarmament in a public address since the Anglo-American negotiations began.