NAVAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1930, Page 5

NAVAL CONFERENCE

CONFER.ENCE CUNARDS. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 1. One of the most regrettable features of the Naval Conference hitherto is the persistent attempts to raise inii ginary dissensions amongst the British Commonwealth's delegations. 'The French press readily seized and magnified it situation which died a speedy death. To-day. iuhvever, three London journals boldly make a new sensation that the tittering committee agreed that Thursday’s plenary is hot being constituted, but is being supplanted by a committee of the whole because the Dominions impossibly insisted on full representation on the smaller body. 'The source of this irresponsible statement is .perhaps indicated by the mass of French comment telegraphed back to London from Paris to-day, showing special French correspondents are telling France that the Dominions put MacDonald in an embarrassing position, paving an appeal to nations on Fiiday to amend the procedure to meet the Dominions protest.

‘‘Lc Matin” goes so far as to sneer at the se.f-made importance of gome Xavyloss Dominions, liampeiing the work of the Conference. Australian Press Association uas Mr MacDonald’s authority to state the sole reason behind the creation of the committee of the whole instead of the smaller was a genchvl recognition that the tonnage problem was most awkward and involved. Experts discussed in consultation which could not freely be undertaken by a smaller committee, whereon each have only one or two delegates, so his suggestion of a committee of a whole for the sake of flexibility was readily assented to by everybody. A para-graph-stated that it was expected the committee on Tuesday would get down to figures and try to fill in blanks in the draft of the French plan. This does not mean the Conference will concentrate on this to the exclusion of everything else, but while the leaders and experts are busy thereon the remainder can preliminarily discuss other items of business.

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS

LONDON, Feb. 2

The “Daily Herald” justifying the latest naval cuts, says foreign delegates at the Conference fully realise the significance of the Govennnent s revision of the naval programme. Ihe cuts entail a total saving of nine millions'. They are of two kinds. First, the cancellation of the cruisers Surrey and Northumberland, the preliminary work on which is being scrapped. , Secondly, reduction of the 1929 programme before any work is , begun, or orders placed. This is not a one sided disarmament. It is the measure of the Government’s confidence of the outcome of the Conference, If the Conference succeeds the vessels dropped ill not be required. The Government, therefore, decided not to begin work which might have to be scrapped later. The change will not entail discharge of Government dockyard employees.

DELEGATES SIGHTSEEING

IMPRESSED AT CHEQUERS

(Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 3.

“Milton wrote ‘Paradise Lost,’ but if we can achieve success with the Naval Conference, we shall ha-fa. written across the pages of history, paradise regained.”. Thus said one American delegate as he stood gazing at Milton’s cottage at Chalfort, St. Giles. No one ever stands there but feels a thrill of historic associations, apart from the loveliness of the spot. How much more, therefore, must it appeal to members of the Naval Conference delegations and their wives and daughters, who are here on an historic mission, now guided by Mr MacDonald. The Labour Prime Minister is host at the wonderful house, Chequers, which was the gilt oi Loid Lee, as a resting of the Prime Ministers of Britain. The visitors went on to Jordan’s meeting house and other sacred spots. “It lias been the time of my life,” said Mr Stimson. “I shall never forget that it is all sacred ground. It reminded me of how we sprang from the common stock. Me are blood brothers and must ever live in peace, and must strive to establish peace in the world.” RECEPTION OF DELEGATES. LONDON, February 2. Mrs Snowden gave a reception to the delegates of the Naval Conference at II Downing Sreet. Air Fenton, Mister and Mistess Wilford and the Ryries attended.