BRITAIN’S RELIEF.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1921, Page 5

BRITAIN’S RELIEF.

LESS NAVAL BURDEN. VALUE OF AGREEMENT, SECURITY MAINTAINED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 18, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Dec. 16. Mr. A. J. Balfour (head of Britain’s delegation) has issued a statement to the Press praising the naval settlement, which is undoubtedly a great scheme, and is going to benefit all countries of the world, especially those with the greatest fleets. He does not believe the defensive power of Britain or the United States or Japan will be lessened, whereas the burden will be greatly diminished. The agreement has the great merit of leaving all the Powers safe from attack while preventing cut-throat competion in armaments and doing absolutely nothing any patriot need regret if he considers the safety, security and honor his country. The cost of war is rap-

i.uy mounting, and even the richest nation had to think of the pressure of taxation. Looking at the matter purely from an economic standpoint, it seems that the enormous benefit and advantage to mankind will be most difficult to estimate, and opens quite a new chapter. The American Government started a great example in the sacrifice of armaments, which had never been done before.

That first day of the Conference Mr. C. E. Hughes began a new page, on which was written in unmistakeable characters the gospel of sacrifice. All are required to give up ships, diminishing in size. This was going to be a landmark. because it began by an announcement of sacrifice on the part of the nation inaugurating the Conference. Mr. Ba if our added: "Its effect on Britain will be to diminish public burdens and relieve the economic strain. It will be a lesson to humanity and an example for future reformers, without in the ( least harming the security and honor of < cur country."

f Mr. Balfour reiterated the British I views respecting the submarine, and he ] said he proposed to take every legitimI ate opportunity of .laying these views i before the Conference. The world did not consider the submarine a necessary defensive weapon, while it might always become an offensive one, if it sank peaceful merchantmen at sight, whether neutral or belligerents. The question of the time for presenting the case rested with the United States. He thougnt it would be dealt with as a five Power proposition, and would await agreement with France and Italy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.