NAVAL PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1921, Page 5

NAVAL PROBLEM.

QUESTION OF THE RATIO. NO DECISION YET. f OPTIMISTIC REPORTS. By Telegraph.— Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 14, 10.40 p.m. Washington, Dec. 13. Though other meetings of “the big three” will be necessary before finalising the naval ratio question the British spokesman to-day said he was basing his o; timism as much on advices he had received from London as here. It looks as if the discussion is now centring round the retention of the Japanese battleship Mutsu. the problem of a naval holiday, and outlying fortifications. If Japan keeps the Mut.su it will mean a re-arrangement of the plans -for a naval holiday to enable the building of ships of equal power ty Britain and the United States. NAVAL PROBLEMS. THE SUBMARINE QUESTION. Washington, Dec. 13. It is indicated to-day that Italy intends to press for a navy equal to that of France, which is in all respects a matter of life and death to her. Undoubtedly the submarine question will be well ventilated. A British hope is semi-oflicially expressed to-day that an opportunity will be given and the whole subject debated in open conference, in order to get the British view favoring total abolition before the world. v The Australian Press Association learns to-night from trustworthy sources that the naval ratio of the five Powers has been practically agreed to. on the basis that France and Italy be accorded in principle the right to as large a capital ship tonnage as Japan, making the proportions five-five-three-three. It is not expected that either France or Italy will build to this tonnage, both now being much below it. It is most probable that in practice the tonnage will be something nearer 250,000 tons, perhaps less. Britain is not averse to this ratio, though she felt at one time that such prepondering tonnage to other European Powers, both commanding the Suez route, might be considered a threat to her. This refers only to the capital ship ratio. That of submarine and auxiliary craft is awaiting settlement. WORK OVER BY CHRISTMAS.) OUTSTANDING QUESTIONS. Washington, Dec. 13. There is every indication now that ail the major points of the Conference will be completed before Christmas. They are seven in number, of which two. the Quadruple Alliance and the Yap Convention, are already out of ths w*iy. There remain to be finally dealt with the treaty between Japan and China covering the Shantung dispute and 21 demands. There is every hope that this is approaching a satisfactory settlement and going out of the present conversations.

Then there is the five Power exclusively naval treaty, now well on the way to adjustment. A further understanding about advanced naval bases in the Pacific may take the form of a three-Power treaty between Britain, the United States and Japan. Lastly, there is the eight-Power treaty in respect of the policy of the integrity of China, based on the Root resolutions, and a one-Power declaration by China never to make a treaty alienating territory or take action in conflict with the Root resolutions. These last two may be combined into a nine-Power treaty.