Speeding Up

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 890, 6 February 1930, Page 9

Speeding Up

NAVAL CONFERENCE PROGRESS

To Discuss Submarine Abolition

CAPITAL SHIPS HOLIDAY MOOTED

Reed. 11 a.in. LOXDOX, Wednesday. THE first definite sign ox speeding np the naval conference was manifested in the issue of a communique announcing that as the result of a meeting of the heads of the delegations this evening, a plenary session will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday next to discuss the question of submarines. Britain is presenting a proposal for their abolition.

The first committee of the conference meets tomorrow to continue the examination of all points of view in reconciling the global and categorical tonnage schemes. Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, M. Tardieu, M. Briand and Mr. H. L. Stimson liad an informal talk today over developments. The general feeling was manifested that, though the conference was proceeding* satisfactorily, it would be advisable to expedite the programme.

The British Prime Minister tomorrow receives on behalf of the conference a deputation of the American and French women's peace societies, supporting disarmament. The meeting of the first committee ended in something closely resembling a deadlock.

According to the “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent the French standpoint as expounded would make a clean sweep of all ratios, relativity and inter-dependence. Mr. Hugh Gibson, United States, strove hard to find a bridge between the British and French theses. All the delegates agreed before the close of the meeting that such a bridge should and would be found. Platonic expressions, however, do not alter facts. CRUISER TONNAGE The French delegates say the British and Americans both favour the French plan of two cruiser categories—Sin. and Gin. gunned vessels — provided there is a, fixed basis of transfer. Britain leans to the 6in. gun category, owing to the multiplicity of her world-wide bases, whereas the Americans are inclined to think the Bin. gun category is suited to the few scattered bases of the United States. But they want the transfers limited to small cruisers and destroyers. In other quarters it is suggested that Japan will support the British formula, but that she wishes submarines not to be touched. The Americans do not conceal the fact that they will insist upon the exclusion of f UOOO-ton cruisers from transfers, but they are willing to allow some aircraftcarrier tonnage to be allotted to small cruisers. The statement that America is willing to scrap three battleships if Britain scraps the Tiger and three of the Iron Duke class and Japan two battle cruisers, making the ratios 15 —15 —8, is dismissed as mere kiteflying. JAPAN’S IDEAS The American and Japanese delegates this afternoon renewed the discussions begun at Washington, aaent Japan’s desire for a 10 —10 —7 cruiser ratio. The “Daily Telegraph” says it believes the conference shortly will get down to bedrock issues. The various Powers are preparing to table their claims to tonnage allotments. The Americans are ready, when the moment is ripe, to submit cut-and-dried figures of her requirements in all categories, says the paper. Japan

is awaiting the American statement before following suit. A British Official Wireless message says that over the week-end there was a meeting of the British Commonwealth delegation, at which it is understood the view was expressed that, although the work of conference was progressing on lines considered entirely satisfactory, methods should be devised of speeding up the proceedings.

The matter was later raised at a meeting of the delegation chiefs. Tomorrow’s meeting of the First Committee, of which all delegates are members, is being held in the afternoon to continue its examination of the compromise proposals on the category and global methods of naval limitation.

NEW “POCKET CRUISERS”

GERMANY’S DEMANDS SOCIALISTS’ AGITATION BERLIN, Tuesday. The German Socialists are using the Five Powers Naval Conference as an argument against increasing the number of Germany's “pocket battleships.” “Vorwaerts” says Germany’s naval construction already has provided French Nationalists with a basis for for opposing the desire of Britain and America to disarm. On the other hand, the German Nationalists are demanding six “pocket battleships” similar to the Ersatz Preussen in order to protect the German coasts against Russia and Poland. The Treaty of Versailles permits Germany to build six 10,000-ton cruisers and uo mention is made of armaments.

NAVY CUT JUSTIFIED

ADMIRALTY’S VIEW

Reed. 10.40 a.m. LONDON, Wed. In the House of Commons, Mr. A. V. Alexander, First; Lord of the Admiralty, stated the naval cancellation of Britain was decided upon in accordance with, the policy outlined on July 24 last, after a full and thorough examination of -the naval needs and the economical use of public money. He considered the revised provision was adequate. Sir William Cayzer: “Is not the ruthless cutting down of torpedoboat destroyers, before any agreement is reached regarding submarines, viewed with anxiety throughout the country?” Mr. Alexander said the naval position was fully reviewed before the decision was made. The Government was satisfied the majority of the coun try supported its policy. So far the suspensions had not affected the dockyard employment.

NO DEADLOCK

RUMOURS DENIED

CAPITAL SHIPS AGREEMENT

NO COMMITTEE DECISIONS Reed. 12.40 p.m. LONDON, Wed. “There is no serious hitch,” declared the British spokesman, in commenting upon the “Daily Telegraph's” suggestion that yesterday's meeting of the first committee virtually ended in a deadlock. The spokesman pointed out that neither Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Stimson, M. Tardieu, M. Briand nor Signor Grandi were present at the meeting, so naturally no decisions were reached or time fixed for ihe next meeting of the first committee. This will probably be arranged by the heads at a meeting this afternoon. The spokesman described “Be Petit Parisien’s” story as ridiculous, and commented: “If if be true, what are we here for?” He would not even admit there was an Anglo-American memorandum on the subject to Japan, though he said the matter might have been raised in private conversatior s, but generally there was no agreement. The American spokesman corroborated.

NAVAL “HOLIDAY” REPORTED FRENCH SPECULATION Reed. 9.5 a.m. PARIS, Wednesday. “Le Petit Parisien's” special correspondent in London says an agreement was reached last evening between Britain and the United States regarding capital ships and submarines, whereby a naval “holiday” will be declared until 1936, reductions will be made In cruiser tonnage, a diminution in the size of heavyguns effected, and a prolongation of the age-limit of battleships fixed. Britain and the United States agreed not to demand the complete suppression of submarines, but consider that each country should have a limited number with a small fixed tonnage. There should also be a specified tonnage iu each class of light vessel.