FRANCE CHUCKLES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 955, 24 April 1930, Page 11

FRANCE CHUCKLES

FOR BRITAIN NO LONGER RULES THE WAVES TRIBUTE TO MR. WILFORD United P.A. — By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 10.5 a.m. PARIS, Wednesday. French comment on the London Naval Treaty is practically unanimous in expressing the opinion that it marks the end of that period in history in which it may be said in truth that “Britain rules the waves.” “Le Matin,” however, softens the bitterness of that thought by the reflection that the United States, having obtained the right to build up to the British standard, will refrain from so doing and be content with the acknowledgment of her equality. The other outstanding idea is that France has done well for herself by coming out of the conference with her hands untied. A message from Geneva says officials of the League of Nations profess gratification at the signing of the treaty, believing it to be a step toward real disarmament. Moreover, they say it leaves the question of disarmament once more in the hands of the League. DISARMAMENT It is expected that the Preparatory Disarmament Commission of the League will meet in October. With an agreement already reached on many military and air questions, the commission should quickly complete a convention to permit of the early convocation of the world's first General Disarmament Conference. A message from London says that Mr. T. M. Wilford, New Zealand High Commissioner in London, says he has ’no comment to make on the Naval Conference. The “Daily Telegraph” compliments him because he has most forcefully expressed tlie real Dominions’ viewpoint.