NAVAL HOLIDAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1921, Page 5

NAVAL HOLIDAY.

THE POLICY OF BRITAIN. AGREEMENT WITH AMERICA. “WILL GO EVEN FURTHER.’-’ By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 19, 12.5 a.m. Washington, Nov. 17. It is clear from the conversation of high officials that Britain will not throw serious obstacles in the way of a naval agreement. She i« not prepared to press the suggestion enunciated by Mr. A. J. Balfour for progressive replacement. while urging the tremendous costliness of keeping plants in existence and highly specialised workmen to be paid over a period of ten years, who cannot be used for any other purpose but making parts of capital ship*?. The American five-five-three plan is quite acceptable to the British, who are even anxious to go further towards disarmament. They will urge the total abolition of submarines. The naval agreement, though it will not wait the solution of Far Eastern questions, will not be signed before a reduction in the fleets of France, Italy and other Powers has been considered.

The Australian Press Association understands that American official circles are firm on the question of an absolute naval holiday for ten years and the British are not averse, provided suitable arrangements are made and they are allowed to keep the Government yards in existence for repairing and other purposes.