NAVALCONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 February 1930, Page 5

NAVALCONFERENCE

OFFICIAL REPORT. \ (British Official. Wireless). RUGBY, Jan. 30. Opening this morning the third plenary session of the Naval Conference, Mr MacDonald said it was eall- ■ ed to deal with the agenda which had been circulated. The only item ’ on the agenda was that of consider* ( ation of tho general questions affecting the work of the Conference and under this heading France, Britain and Italy had each given notice of . proposals which they wish to advance as follows: France: —Firstly: A system of global tonnage and French delegations transactional proposal; secondly, what ' classification to be adopted; thirdly, transfer amount and conditions tliere- * of / Great Britain-:—System of limitation by categories. Italy:—Firstly: Determination of ratios ; secondly, determination levels of total tonnages of the several countries. ■ • • LONDON, Jan. 30. M. Tardieu testified to the French ■ ’ delegations interest in Mr Gibson’s speech and added that categorical ■■ limitation was more satisfactory for navfil Powers, 1 but global tonnage was '' better for those whose navies were not so important. The French delegation desired the matter referred back to ' the committe.

Mr,, Alexander thanked Mr Gibson and paid a tribute to the extreme friendliness and helpfulness of all delegates. Britain’s and the Dominion’s need of sea security was vital. Her proposals were ,based on the categorical system, in which she completely agreed with America and Japan. An important aspect of Britain’s proposal was within each category a maximum of tonnage of individual unit was strictly limited and should be at,, the lowest figure, consistent with experience' of duties of unit. Britain did not object; to the proposal to the transfer of tonnage of one ship to/hnother according to national and in view of the progress made at the Conference was fully prepared to consider some system of placing tonnage transfer,fi if it applied to the least powerful type of ships. He held this would enable countries with less powerful navies to meet their need sand requirements. He could say on behalf of Britain .that she welcomed a discussion on transactional proposals, to which M. Tardieu had referred and the appointment of a committee moved by Mir. Stim,son.

Mr MacDonald announced the Conference’s proposals would be continued :'and from these further business would ajrise which tbs ■ Conference ould again be summoned to 1 discuss, -‘i The plenary Conference then adjourned sine die. The French proposals are understood to 1 be that each Power should submit maximum, total tonnage t. by categories which it would not exceed for duration treaty. Thereafter each Power would be permitted to deviate or transfer certain, agreed percentage as between these categories, after informing the other Powers.