U.S. SENATE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1930, Page 5

U.S. SENATE

DISCUSSES THEI NAVAL TREATY

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 9.40 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 13

Mr Stimson continuing the testimony before the Senate Committee in reply to a question said the availability of “merchant ships to enter into the question of combat strength was recognised hut it would he impossible to include that in the treaty.”

Reply to a question hv Senator Johnson lie said some naval officers did not consider the Rodney and Nelson markedly superior to the United States battleships would become obsolete or that eight inch cruisers would take the place of tlie latter. The Treaty would save four hundred million dollars battleship replacement costs.

Defending the “Escalator clause” of the London Treaty upon questioning from Mr Borah Mr Stimson said : “We thought this was the best means, because it places building on the conscience of the Power which must get up and say her security is menaced. We thought public opinion would prevent any nation lightly having recourse to the clause.”

He added that he believed the British Labour Government wouTcl consider it a matter for regret and mortification if it were necessary to build thereunder.