THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1930, Page 4

THOUGHTS FOR THE TIMES.

AMERICAN NAVAL SPIRIT. A rather encouraging message comesfrom, Washington in regard to America’s proposed naval reductions. It is intended to withdraw three of the older 'battleships, without waiting for Japan’s ratification of the Treaty of London. The official statement adds that the country will save about £BOO.OOO by this move, and though there maybe some risk involved it will serve as “a gesture of international confidence.” This is no doubt gratifying to the pacifists, but one may doubt if it represents the real views of the American naval experts, i with whom it has been said ‘‘hatred of the London Treaty seems to have become a religion.” One admiral describes the proposed reduction as “detrimental to the national security” ; another charges Britain with deluding the Americans into making concessions that give her an immense superiority in cruiser strength; a third complains that America “lias surrendered established principles without compensation” ; a fourth holds that American safety in the- Pacific is “jeopardised by Japanese parity.” So that though the Treaty of London is ratified, it has not yet diffused much peace and goodwill in the naval circles of the United States. —Auckland Star.