Build More Cruisers to Aid Disarmament

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 564, 17 January 1929, Page 9

Build More Cruisers to Aid Disarmament

AMERICA’S NAVY BILL “OBJECT LESSON TO BRITISH” (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. 9.3 a.m. WASHINGTON, Wed. Senate approval of the Administration’s Bill for the construction of 15 cruisers was asked by Senator C. A, Swanson (Democrat, Virginia), on the theory that it would lead “to a better and larger agreement for the limitation of naval armaments.” To pass the measure, Senator Swanson said, would give Great Britain “an object lesson,” to the extent that it would demonstrate that the United States was determined to place itself on substantial naval equality with that country. He termed the Bill a very moderate programme, which was absolutely necessary for the proper support of our present navy. it would make clear to Great Britain the wisdom of entering into a pact for naval equally*. and induce her to abandon her policy of naval competition. “If Britain and Japan are willing to have an agreement to carry out the ratios established at the Washington Conference to all naval vessels, the President is empowered to cease construction under this Act.”