SMALLER NAVIES

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1921, Page 5

SMALLER NAVIES

THREE-POWER RATIO. AGREEMENT DEFINED. A GREAT RESULT. REDUCING THE BURDEN. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Washington, Dec. 15. The following official statement has been issued concerning the naval agreement:— Mr. Hughes said that while the tonnage difference was small there was considerable difference as to efficiency. As the retention of the Mutsu would give Japan two post-Jutland ships of the latest design, in order to meet the situation and preserve the relative strength on the basis of the agreed ratio, it was agreed the United States should complete two ships in the course of construction, the Colorado and Washington. which are about 90 per cent, completed, and scrap two older ships, the North Dakota and Delaware. This would leave the United States the same number of capital ships as originally proposed with a tonnage of 525,950 against 500.650. The three ships would b** of the Maryland type. As the British had no post-Jutland ships except one, the Hood, which was only partly post-Jutland, it was agreed that, in order to maintain the proper relative strength, the British might construct two new ships, not to exceed 35.000 "legend"’ tons each, according to British standards of measurement, or according to American calculations 37,000 tops.

It was also agreed that, on completion of these two ships, Britain should scrap four of the King George V. type, which were to be retained. This would leave Britain with 20 capital ships instead of 22, with a tonnage of 582.050 tons instead of 604.450 tons. This gave Britain an excess of tonnage against the United States of 56,200 tons, which was deemed fair, in view of the age of the ships of the Royal Sovereign and Queen Elizabeth types. The maximum tonnage of capital ships for the purpose of replacement on the basis of American standards of calculation is a-s follows: United States and Britain each 525,000 tons, Japan 315,000

The narai holiday for ten years in respect to capital ships, as originally proposed by th? American Government, will be maintained, except for permission for the con-truction of ships as above stated. This arrangement between Britain, the United States and Japan, in so far as the number of ships retained and scrarppem is concerned, is dependent upon a suitable agreement with France and Italy as a their capita! ships. This matter is now in course of negotiation.

Mr. Hughes, when making the announcement as to the naval agreement, was more moved than for a long time. It was evident that he felt the utmost pride in bringing about the result. He said that he regarded this as the greatest step forward the world had ever seen. Throughout he had been most impressed by the very evident desire shown by all for co-operation. The constant appreciation and admiration of everybody concerned gave evidence of the greatest impulse and desire to come to a reasonable agreement. He was glad America was able to agree to an adjustment which would allow Japan to keep the Mutsu. which desire they thoroughly understood. It was characteristic of the present informal nature of the Conference that an announcement of such enoitnous importance to the whole world was made withont any ceremony.

Mr. Hughes merely walked briskly into the room where the Press usually assembled for the day’s conversation and began without preamble: ‘‘Well, I’ve got something for you to-day.” He then proceeded to read from an ordinary typewritten document details of what may justly be regarded as one of the finest accomplishments of any single human being.

PROBLEM OF SUBMARINES. BRITAIN WANTS ABOLITION. QUESTION TO BE DLSCUSSED. Received Dec. 18, 5J5 p.m. Washington, Dec. 16. When once the French and Italian ratios are settled the way will be clear for the presentation of the ease against the submarine. Mr A. J. Balfour has given formal notice that he intends to move for the total abolition of submarines, basing his plea on the inevitable misuse of the weapon in war time. Probably the next plenary session will be called only when it is possible to announce a five Power naval agreement, and an opportunity will be then given to Britain to state her case, which, it is mderstood, is fully prepared, and which contains sensational matter drawn from her experiences during the war. Regarding the United States’ plans for rebuilding, it should be pointed out that the Washington is a sister ship of the West Virginia, which was mentioned in the earlier message. Neither has yet been christened, and possibly the latter will be completed before the former. It is regarded as cheaper to retain the latter. JAPANESE PREMIER’S STATEMENT. Tokio, Dec. 15. In a statement the Premier (Mr. Takahashi) declared: “The people of Japan heartily rejoice at the news from Washington announcing that an agreement has been reached among the four Powers 1 for the preservation of peace in the Pacific. Japan congratulates the delegates who participated in formulating this agreement,* and the people of the Powers whose representatives signed it. The people of Japan congratulate the people of these Powers upon the approach of an era of peaceful development and friendly feeling? among the nations of the earth. We of Jajian will raadw aU

possible support to the four-Power agreement, so that it may be a powerful factor in the preservation of the peace o the entire world.” SIR JOHN SALMOND APPROVES. Washington, Dec. 16. Sir John Salmond expressed himself as highly pleased with the agreement, especially the ietention of the Mutsu. The consequent readjustment enabled Britain to build two post-Jutland vessels, which %he would have had no right to before. In that respect the settlement was an improvement on the original plan. Britain would have three ships, counting the Hood, far in excess of anything at first proposed, and. though the additional expense was great it would be wel] repaid by the increased national security. The building during the naval holiday, which the new plan offers, to some extent mitigated the disadvantages of the scheme by avoiding unemployment and the disorganisation of the shipbuilding industry. Sir John Salmond thinks Japan was justified in objecting to the destruction of her latest and greatest ship. She has made a good bargain, but it is nothing unreasonable, and the formidable menace of hfer post-Jutland ships is removed by the inclusion of the same type of vessels in the United States and British navies.