THE SUBMARINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1921, Page 5

THE SUBMARINE.

AGREEMENT UNLIKELY, FRANCE STANDS OUT. NEW CONFERENCE URGED. By Telvgnpb.—Press Assn.—Copyrigtt. Received Dec. 28, 8.15 p.m. Washington, Dee. 28. It is understood the French delegation has received cables in answer to Mr. C. E. Hughes* compromise proposal regarding submarines which they will present to the Conference to-morrow. French circles take a grave view of the chances >f a speedy settlement. Questions of interna] politics are alleged as the reason why the answer, though not final, is believed to be against anything like the figures suggested. While the actual terms of the reply have not been divulged, it is rumored they clearly indicate the French view that an agreement in regard to submarines is impossible at this conference and should be postponed till another_and wider one has been called. French quarters were busy explaining to-night that were M. Briand (Premier of France) to accept Mr. Hughes’ figures the Chamber would overthrow the Government, immediately making way for an even stronger nationalist party under M. Poincaire. —Special to Aus. Press Assn. A NEW PROPOSAL. FRENCH SECURITY GUARANTEED. Washington, Dec. 27. The Australian Press agent learns from well-authenticated sources that the European Cabinets are now taking a hand in the settlement of Conference questions. A proposal js now under discussion there between Britain and France to the effect that if Britain guarantees the security of the French eoasts in the event of another war. France will agree to the abolition of submarines altogether. There is reason to believe that if some such plan is arranged the United States would agree to abolish submarines. It is known that Italy favors the plan, therefore it is assumed that Japan would fall into line. ITALY’S DEMAND. ZOR PARITY WITH FRANCE. Washington, Dec. 27. The representative of the Australian Press Association says: —Indications that the hope of a discussion of land armaments has been abandoned are furnished by the fact that the British military advisers are definitely leaving Washington this week. The Italians have already gone. It is understood that the Japanese delegation has asked Tokio to pronounce on the submarine issue. The Italians let it be known to-day that they are averse to the suggested deferring of the submarine question to a later conference, because it means that Italy will remain inferior to France, whereas she insists on a parity. The decision to postpone a lettlement would be deplorable to the talians because they came to the Con.erence to limit armaments. If France’s nsiatence causes the failure to reach a lecision about submarines it would nean spending more, instead of savJAPAN’S POSITION. Washington. Dec. 27. There were some indications from the Japanese spokesman to-day that they would not adhere so firmly to their submarine demand*. He was careful to explain that they were not making their requests quite independently of European considerations, and were not siding with France in their demands. They were actuated solely by considerations W their own internal security. FRENCH SENATE’S VIEW. Paris, Dec. 27. Tie Senate’s Navy Committee adopt’d a resolution that owing to naval weakness and the condition of finances, ihe submarine is a perfect weapon for aoastal defence.