NAVAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1930, Page 5

NAVAL CONFERENCE

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS

(British Official Wireless.)

(Received this day at 9.40 a.m.) RUGBY,' April 13. A communique issued yesterday evening states the first’ committee met at Saint James’s Palace in the afternoon to consider items of business stiil outstanding. The fourth report *" of the committee of experts dealing with rules "for disposal of vessels of war was iihA.himou.sly adopted. The three Powers' concerned agreed to tindefinition of the characteristics of vessels of the destroyer class. Rides for the replacement drawn up by a special committee "of" experts, were also considered and 'with certain amendments -'unanimously adopted. A draft to supplement the agreement reached regarding capital ships, was unanimously adopted. The 'report of the special committee appointed to define the term -of aircraft carrier was unanimously l adopted subjected to certain important modifications.

NEW YORK COMMENT.

1 . (Received this day at 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, April 12. Tire - fact utliat only a- limited comprehension, of the true state of affairs exists in connection with the Naval Conference' can be seen in certain, kinds of .editorial opinion which, avoiding any. discussion of the important elements of the situation, belabours the “parity” issue. The New York “Herald Tribune,” one. of the leading journals of Republican, opinion ip : the country lias taken up „ “military, merciiant ships.” Tomorrow’s leacler stresses that Britain tiieriri is superior and concludes, “parity with Britain seems clearly in sight as far as lleets are concerned. Parity in, sea power ,is still far away.’’ The , “New York Times” in a carefully prepared leader, pursues its traditional attitude as concerns Anglo- ; American ! affairs, namely, .that anytmng which advances the friendship of the two countries advances world ,peace,; l !lndicating that details of the agreement ar.e . not yet. announced, it adds. ‘ ‘frankly 'they do not greatly in alter.,"Naval experts. to be sure will seize upon them with avidity,” and concludes, “the principle of establishing and maintaining friendly relations between Britain and . United States should -result jin benefits not only to our. two peoples, but to others.” The fate,oft^the-impending treaty in the Senate, however, receives more detailed treatment. Here, as yet, anything that may,..be said concerning senatorial reaction would purely be conjectural. MrKPorah, who would not represent United States as a delegate so that he might maintain freedom of action, has not ; .yet spoken and London announcements coming towards the end of the week with the Senate not sitting, few-facts are Available. It '.'however, seems indicated to-night.

that due to congressional elections this ■ year, the President will make every effort to keep the treaty out of politics until early in 1931. The present session of Congress will probably end in June and the ./next session will not be , iconveiied until December. Meantime, ■there is a possibility that the political completion /of. Congress may ■ .change ’radically. It has done so in the past at the 'middle term, elections. What the fate of the treaty would he if a Republican majority in the Senate were seriously reduced it is impossible to predict, bU ■

AMERICAN COMMENT. NEW,YORK, April 13,

American reaction , at the naval decisions in London is curiously mixed. It cannot be said, that popularly the Three Power arrangements has aroused much interest, chiefly because of the ’ingrained . insularity of provincialism of the great bulk of the American people, jijfr? Hoover’s explanatory statement, moreover, caused hardly a ripple of excitement internationally, meaning the London Conference’s work does not seem to be generally understood, although there is an attempt to outline the important considerations and sacrifices behind the British decision* to’ permit America parity. There -is even less understanding of the ’necessity for a Five Power agreement before Britain can feel secure in making reductions. A few American observers, howeve,r do outpoint the British are “world minded.” Most regard the European trouble with dear eyes and as a result must express some dissatisfaction with the announced agreement. Tliese observers do try to make it clear they must always see at least a strategic- threat at heir vital lines of communication in the Mediterranean..

SETTLEMENT REPORT. -LONDON, April 13

It is officially explained that France and Italy reserve the right to build capital ships wherto they are entitled by the Washington Treaty Under the scrapping agreement, United States will scrap the , Florida, and Utah within a biennium. Ratification by the British Empire to scrap the Marlborough, Emporor of India, BenIbow and Tiger.; two within a biennium and two within two and a half years. The following will he retained for training purposes only:— America, Arkansas; British Empire, Iron Duke; Japan, Mivis. Japan raised the question of a transference upwards .or downwards of fifteen per cent light cruisers and destroyers tonnage. This was referred to the heads of the delegations.