NAVAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1930, Page 5

NAVAL CONFERENCE

PLENARY CONFERENCE. SOME OF THE SPEECHES. (United Press Association.—By Electro Telegraph —Copyright.) (Received this dav at 10 a.m,) LONDON, Jan. 30. At the plenary session of the Naval Conference at St. James Palace, Air AbuT) tiald, in the course of bis opening address, explained the different interests and relationships between the Powers were exceedingly 'utricate and could not be (halt with straight away in an open conlerenee. Exchanges of views, with the object of removing misunderstandings and paving the way to a compromise or agreement, had thus far proved most gratifying. Signor Grandi said French and British proposes dealt virtually with toe same problem, namely, global tonnage or categories. He also referred (to tlu< French intermediate idea of a transactional basis.

Italy dealt rather with the principle of limitation on ,a maximum level. Her problem was essentially political, namely the acceptance of a restriction of fundamental rights inherent in national sovereignty. They, therefore, had to solve first and foremost what basis of reciprocal relative strength each was prepared to accept in limitation of freedom of action. In the matter of armaments for Italy it was not a question of procedure, but of substance, but as some thought it more prudent £>t present to refrain from discussing two points. Italy was prepared to await procedure methods, but did not see her way at present to commit herself on the question of method or any special point of disarmament problem. until two fundamental questions of <dobal or categories had been settled.

Mr Stiinson proposed the question of the method °f procedure, particularly French and British suggestions for limitation by global or category methods respectively, and France's proposal for the method of transfer from one category to another, be referred to a committee representing all delegations for e.iamina.tion and report to' the conference. Mr Gibson said America had consistently favoured the category method as the best calculated to reduce international competition, and feelings of mistrust and suspicion. By the category method nations knew exactly what others were contemplating, but the global system would leave an unknown situation causing fear and anxiejty and ultimately a building competition. . .My 'Stimson’s resolution was adopted. .LONDON, Jan. 30. There will be a conference of Dominion delegates to the Naval Conference at No. 10 Downing Street tomorrow morning. Mr Fenton says nothing affecting the Australian fleet has yet been mentioned and nothing has been decided as to who will represent the Dominions on the agenda committee.

CONFERENCE LUNCHEON. LONDON, Jan, 30. Journalists of over thirty nationalities lunched with the delegates to the Naval Conference, including Mr Witford. Mr Wakatsuki responded on behalf of the delegates. PROGRESS REPORTED. (Received this dav at 11 a.m.l LONDON, January 30. The plenary session and the introduction of to-day’s proceedings leave an atmosphere of hope that Mr MacDonald’s optimism will be realised. Speaking to pressmen after the session Mr MacDonald indicated they were approaching a settlement of a measure which hitherto defied solution. This was regarded as expressing a feeling existing throughout the Conference that a big turn in the tide was imminent.

England, France and America are now much closer together than ever before while Japan has always been anxious for the closest co-operation thus making an extremely promising outlook, but the general question of naval disarmament has reached a stage well beyond anyth ng hith-trte. Italy appears to be to some extent an impending agent with a strong desire to settle the parity problem with France and an impression is fast growing that it is already a four to one Conference in the face of which Italy can hardly hold up progress.

The admission of the press to the Plenary sessions must not lie construed into the belief they are in the full confidence of the Conference. Undoubtedly had the Plenary sessions been private there would have been much more open speaking and delegates do not disguise the fact that staight speaking which alone removes misunderstanding will he strictly confined to private meetings.