NAVAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1930, Page 5

NAVAL CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE HELD UP

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received this day at 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 26.

The French Ambassador, with the expert, Massigh, will call on Mr MacDonald at 2.15 to inform him of the latest French position, after which the heads of delegations will assemble at the House of C'omons at 3.30 to discuss the situation.

Conference circles interpret M. Chantemp’s downfall as a fear that if he went to London lie would yield too much in French claims. Similarly, if M. Briaml, was premier, there is a suspicion his policy of European pacification would lead him to make con-

cessions. It is exported the parties of the Right will contrive to form a grouping and send to London someone rigidly pinned down to the terms of the French memorandum, 'lbis morning’s discussions in London centre on the possibility of Americans losing patience if France does not produce a responsible delegation within a fortnight. It is suggested the Conference might oe adjourned to 1931 to review the Battleships Treaty or carry on Four Pdwep discussions. Americans admit that if France is not included it would place Britain in a delicate position, to confront the nuge French cruiser requirements; also Britain could not scrap battleships. It seems most likely that heads of delegations this afternoon will agree to review the position a week hence.

NAYV LEAGUE,

(Received this day at noon.) LONDON, Feb. 26

Hon. IV. Churchill addressing a meeting of the Navy League, said Britain at the Naval Conference was

being pushed and edged into whatever might turn out to be a convenience to other Powers, all of whom were

preparing to increase the relative strength of their navies. The expan-

sion of the United States naval armaments had' been the main event on salt watei; since 1914. On the contrary it was apparently proposed that Britain which had led the way in 'disarmament -;n laud, sea and air should make further reduction of relative as well as actual strength.

The meeting carried a resolution a:, the instance of the President (the Marquis of Linlithgow) demanding the maintenance of the navy’s existing strength.

DELEGATES, DECISION. LONDON, Feb. 26. Mr MacDonald’s smile in the Commons lobby immediately lie emerged fiotn the meeting of heads of delegations this afternoon indicated the Conference’s surprising turn, for the better.

“It is practically reborn,” said the British spokesman who emphatically and pointedly swept aside all suggestions of collapse. “The Conference is \ery much alive and definitely proceeding on the Five Power basis.” He explained that it was decided to continue regardless of the French situation and M. Turdieu’s attempt to form a Cabinet'ns unavailable when delegates met, bur. apparently Mr MacDonald’s interview with the French Ambassador had convinced him that the Conference should procreed as originally, though decisions meanwhile must- bo absolutely tentative.

DECISION OF DELEGATES

(British Official Wireless)

(Received this dav at 12 noon). RUGBY, Feb. 26

Head? of the Briiish, United States Japanese and Italian delegations ti, +be London Naval Conference with the French Ambassador met in the Prime Minister’s room at the House of Commons this afternoon to consider' a continuation, of the work of the Conference. \ communique states:—“lt was agreed that subject to agreement o' ‘he French delegation that as soar c' the Conference' is in il position, it ifiMim.es its full activities and the original programme of work will be continued.

Meanwhile private conferences between delegations are continuing and the work of technical sub-committees is making good progress.’’

The .announcement that the Conference will proceed on the original lines despite tie break in its work, o-iginating with 'die withdrawal o( the French delegation due to the political crisis m Paris, caused much satisfaction here.

Regarding the reference to private conversations it i« pointed out that anv agreements that' may he reached will 'be purely ■-.cnta'flve, pending tlmir full acceptance l>,v fhc Conference and decisions will be taken with a view to fheir inclusion in the Five Power Treaty which remains the ‘-ole objective of the Conference. The work of the technical subcommittees mentioned in the communique refers to ootmr.'.rtoes on (1) Ships which are to be exempt Imm limitation ,(2) Ships of special eharactei which do not fall within the proposed categories and ;;R Submarines in connection with which jurists are reexamining mot convent km fnhumanising operations of these craft.