Delegates at Work

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 879, 24 January 1930, Page 9

Delegates at Work

NATIONS TO EXPRESS NAVAL NEEDS Conference Begins Quietly ANGLO-FRENCH VIEWS DIFFER United -P J. £>V Telegraph — Copyright Received 10.30 a.m. LONDON, Thursday. FOR once there were more police than sightseers when the delegates arrived at St. James’s Palace tor the first session of the Naval Conference. The British Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, was the first to arrive. lie looked pale and tired. The Secretariat hopes to issue this afternoon the text of official statements. Meanwhile the French Press is busily hinting that there are already serious obstacles, while American sources assert that an Anglo-French compromise is likely concerning global versus category tonnage and also the limitation of large submarines.

It is not surprising in the light of these conjectures, that someone in a high quarter at the close of the opening session found it necessary to appeal to the Press to refrain from publishing canards. x This is understood to allude to a grotesque statement cabled to America that M. Tardieu found such divergencies that he had taken up the role of mediator. Mr. MacDonald announced that he was elected chairman. If he were absent the vice-chairmanship would go to the delegations in rotation. “The speeches being made are really statements of needs from the point of view of naval strength,” he said. “There is an absence of any hostile desire to question one another, in future there will sometimes he two or three delegations conferring, and sometimes only experts to elucidate points and submit them to the full conference. “Broadly we are considering first l>y fleets existing, secondly those laid down, and thirdly, those voted by Parliament The conference desires to achieve a common agreement. These fleets will be at the lowest levels possible, which will prevent competitive building.” This morning’s procedure was purely a general discussion without formulation of demands. Mr. MacDonald inaugurated a general discussion. Mr. H. L. Stiinson (U.S.A.) pointed out that America’s requirements were welt understood. The key to them was equality of naval power with Britain. THE NATIONS’ VIEWS Mr. MacDonald declared that Britain had to remember the dispersal of her navy, which had to be divided into at least three groups. This did not make Britain's position easier. Signor Grandi said Italy would leave the other Powers to determine the size of armaments, reserving her own right to regulate her amounts by theirs. Mr. T. M. Wilford (New Zealand) stressed that security of the mercantile marine was vital to New Zealand. it is significant that Mr. MacDonald, on the eve of the conference, publicly reiterated the view that Britain must expand her navy failing an agreement. Sir Maurice Hankey was elected secretary-general of the conference. The discussions were adjourned until next week. FIXING THE TONNAGE It is understood that the Naval Conference took an important turn this evening as a result of the discussions between the British and French delegates about their differences of opinion as to the method of determining the limitation of tonnage. Up to now France has maintained that limitation should he placed on total tonnage whereas Britain always has considered that each class of ship should be limited. M. Tardieu had his speech prepared

for tomorrow, but Mr. MacDonald is reported to have suggested a modification which M. Tardieu seems to have conceded. Accordingly it is believed that M. Tardieu tomorrow will propose that the basis of discussion be total tonnage. This is with the understanding, however, that each nation shall have the right to transfer tonnage from one class to another, provided that, all tho nations sign an agreement that any changes should be advised when any ship is laid down. This has been the principal stumbling-block between Britain and France. FRANCE CONCILIATORY The utmost significance attaches to today’s conversations which may eventually be the forerunner of negotiations that will 'extend beyond the present conference. Indeed, an informant who says big things are in the air, describes the position in these words: “There is an increasing note of optimism that some reduction will be achieved in every category. It can be definitely stated that the French delegates are setting themselves out to be helpful to Britain even if it be in her own interests. “It was always considered that France had Sir ’ Austen Chamberlain ‘in her pocket.' Then France feared Labour’s success would turn Britain against the French, but Mr. Snowden at The Hague reassured France, since when all has gone well. “M. Tardieu. who is shrewd and stronger than -M. Briand, is going to run the conference for France. M. Briand really is a cipher.” The informant says everything points to the fact that Britain will not find herself in opposition to France as was generally feared. He expects America readily to meet Britain and France, but points out that she is most anxious for success, because her personal reputation also is staked on the conference.

LABOUR’S GOOD WISHES

NEW ZEALAND MESSAGE' Press Association. WELLINGTON, Today. Tho National Executive of the Labour Party has forwarded the following- cable to the British Labour Party: “Please convey to the British Government the good wishes of the Labour Party in New Zealand for their success toward the promotion of peace through the Naval Conference now proceeding. We trust that co-operation and mutual goodwill will bring conditions that will make a successful disarmament conference possible in the immediate future. We cordially support the decision of the British Government to reconsider the extension of the naval base at Singapore, and trust that the work of the conference will justify the Government’s decision and render further extension unnecessary.”