THE NAVAL TREATY.
FORTS IN THE PACIFIC. SCRAPPING OF SHIPS. QUESTION OF METHOD. By Telegraph. —Pre«t Association Washington, Jan. 111, It can now be stated that it was on the iniative of Mr. G. F. Pearce (Australia) that the British delegation took] up the question of fortifications in the Pacific and the maintenance of the status quo. The treaty provided that all parts of the Pacific come under its provisions except the mainlands of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and mandated islands. Mr. Pearce pointed out to Mr. Balfour that this was unsatisfactory to Australia where, without in any way threatening Japan, she might desire to increase the fortifications on islands round the coast, whereas the first agreement had the object of securing Japan aginst a threat from the United States and others in the North Pacific. Mr. Balfour accepted this view and put the case to the heads of the delegations. Baron Kato agreed, subject to confirmation from Tokio. The present plan is to define Pacific zones in which fortifications may or may not be proceeded with. Japan’s acquiescence to the arrangements is confidently expected. One of the matters calling for further discussion perhaps in reference to the Admiralty concerns the methods of scrappiug ships. These are. six' in number, but the United States thinks the spirit of the agreement will be more observed by sinking, therefore is pressing for as many as possible to be disposed of thus.
Britain’s representatives favor tMe utilisation of ships in one or other of the ways specified.
France will always be found opposing Great Britain.
The United States supports its contention on the ground that if battleships are preserved, even if unarmed, it is possible in the event of war to reconvert them into fighting machines. France herself will have little scrapping to do.
Japan sides with Britain, hoping to find some commercial value for doomed vessels.
Italy supports the United States. — Special to Aus. Press Assn.
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Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1922, Page 5
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325THE NAVAL TREATY. Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1922, Page 5
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