HALT CALLED AT GENEVA

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 101, 20 July 1927, Page 1

HALT CALLED AT GENEVA

BRITISH CABINET TO BE CONSULTED

DELEGATES RETURN TO LONDON

AMERICAN “BIG NAVY” INFLUENCE

AFLUTTER of sensation was caused at Geneva by an abrupt announcement that the British delegates were returning to London. The explanation, however, dispelled a fear of complete failure. The leading representative of Great Britain stated that the delegates were going to London to consult the Cabinet, and that actually he was more hopeful than ever of a satisfactory agreement on naval limitation.

By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright.

Reed. 10.30 a.m. GENEVA. Tuesday. QONFERENCE circles were startled late yesterday afternoon by the bald announcement that Viscount Cecil and Mr. W. C. Bridgeman (delegates of Britain) were returning to London to consult Cabinet. This was immediately interpreted as presaging a breakdown of the conference; but Mr. Bridgeman, in a special interview with the Australian Press Association, dispelled this view. He said: “So far from indicating a rupture, I am more hopeful to-day thaD since the conference opened. I simply received a request to return an- explain the exact position to Cabinet in fuller detail than can be done with telegrams, before we enter into a final agreement. Probably the reason for recalling me Is that Mr. Baldwin, Prime Minister, departs for Canada next week. I expect to be back at Geneva on Monday to continue the conversations.”

gates to London to take part In the consultation with the Cabinet, but because of indisposition his place had to be taken by Captain Egerton. Director of Naval Plans. —A. and N.Z