FRANCE'S NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1921, Page 5

FRANCE'S NAVY.

FEELING IN BRITAIN. WARM PRESS PROTESTS. INCREASING BURDEN. By Telegraph.—Press Asia—Cepyrltfit. Received Dec. 30, 8.10 p.to. London, Dec. 29. The newspapers warmly protest against the French demand in connection with submarines. The Daily Express asserts that the demand for 90,000 tons will call for a counter programme by Britain, America, Italy and Japan, involving the expenditure of many millions, including for Britain: Convoy sloops. £10,000.000; submarine hunters, £25.000,000; destroyers, £15,000,000. The United States will be faced with similar expenditure, in addition to £8,000,000 for submarines, while Italy will be forced to spend £27,000,000 and Japan £34,000,000 The Daily Express says it was said of the Bourbons that they learnt nothing and forgot nothing. Their republican successors have gone one better—they have learnt nothing and forgotten everything, including the world’s economic chaos and the fact that Britain was a most loyal aliv during the war, and they owe her £600,000,000. The Daily New? says: No doubt the French Admiralty would not order the torpedoing of hospital ships and unarmed merchantmen, or the destruction of big liners full of noh-cotnbatants, but if France was hard pressed the French submarine commanders would be compelled to go in for commerce destruction. An overwhelming case against France is the disastrous debasing of the standard of international morality. If France is sincere in her denunciation of German submarine crimes let her join America and Britain and practically all other civilised countries .in making their repetition impossible by anybody. The Daily Chronicle states that France is behaving in a manner that we cannot fail to regard as unfriendly. The Morning Post points out that Britain and America refused to ratify an agreement to render France military aid, which was one of the main props on which France relied in signing the peace treaty. France therefore proposes to rely on her own right arm. We have pursued a policy of laissez faire towards our ally since the war, flattering her one moment and scolding her the next. A similar policy of uncertainty previous to 1914 unchained the war; may not its repetition let loose a similar evil upon the world ? Critics of France should see that there is direct connection between France’s demands at Washington and Mr. Lloyd George’s indeterminate foreign policy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

WHAT ITALY THINK*. A NEW .ARMAMENT RACE. CREATING SUSPICION. Received Dec. 30, 10.20 p.m. Washington, Dec. 29. The spokesman for the Italians left little doubt regarding the attitude of his country towards the French claims to-day. He said that Italy expected the Conference to put a stop to the peoples’ anticipations of war, but France’s notification would probably result in starting a race in armaments, resulting in a general feeling of unsettlement and a disposition to think why this or that Government was increasing its forces. Thus opinion was directed towards the possibility of war. The Conference had been useful, inasmuch as in enlightening public opinion regarding the ambitions of the several nations represented. He thought the Conference would have Caused all nations to abandon the idea of predominance on any continent, but he hinted that the Italian viewpoint tended towards the fear of France aiming at the hegemony of Europe. Pressed by questioners, the spokesman expressed the hope that an entente between Britain and Italy would not be necessary, and that France was sincere in her protestations and only required a navy for defensive purposes. Italy was still desirous for the holding of an economic conference which migh: deal with all the financial questions, including the provision of money needed through these great increaaea in the ftavy required by the French. AMERICANS DISGUSTED. NO SYMPATHY FOR FRANCE. Received Dec. 30, 11.15 p.in. Washington, Dec. 29. Some interesting Senatorial opinions were -oflected to-day regarding France’s attitude on the submarine question. The general *iew exposes international suspicion, showing the trend of thought on the continent of Europe. Little can be expected from France in the way of aiding Europe to return to normal when the first practical step thereto is treated with defiance, showing political purpose. France has alienated the sympathy of the United States and the average American. France has prevented for all time Congress enacting any leniency towards European debtors.— Special to Australian Press Assn. DEMANDS FOR DEFENCE. NO CONCESSIONS OFFERED. Received Dec. 30, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Dec. 29. Speaking in the Senate regarding the Whahington Conference, M. Briar.d declared that submarines were purely a question of defence, and France must maintain her first demands. Directly an agreement was reached at Washington it would be submitted for ratification by Parliament.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.