THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2358, 22 November 1921, Page 1

THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE.

MR. MASSEY’S VIEWS,

Asked for his views on the developments at the Washington Conference, the Prime Minister, Mr W. F. Massey, said: — “I think the conference has commenced very satisfactorily, though, in addition to suggestions which have been put forward, there will be many very important details to be considered. What is proposed does not mean the end of war really, but a ten years’ naval holiday, especially so far as capital ships are concerned. There are, so far, no pi’oposals mentioned with regard to light cruisers, submarines or destroyers, or air ships, but the proposals mean, as I understand them, peace for the present, and especially peace for the Pacific. It will probably be recollected that when speaking to the House of Representatives a few weeks ago, I expressed the opinion that if we are to have a continuous peace, or peace for a lengthened period, it could only

come about by a friendly arrangel| ment between the three great naval r? Powers of the world, Britain, Am- " erica and Japan. I expressed the same opinion at the Imperial Conference, and still hold that view. “The world needs peace, and in consequence the conference has my very best wishes for a satisfactory solution of the difficulties with

which we are confronted, but it ought to be remembered that Britain was the first to give a lead in disarmament. Scores of British ships have now been scrapped, and the personnel of the Navy has been reduced since the armistice by about two- thirds. I would just like to say this, however, and it is'only by way of a reminder, that whatever is agreed to must, .in order to be satisfactory to British citizens, be consistent with Che safety and honour of the Empire.”