THE NAVAL TREATY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 August 1922, Page 5

THE NAVAL TREATY.

ITS MEANING EXPLAINED. i EACE-TIME LIMITATION. REPORT OF SIR J. SALMOND By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Sir J. Salmond’s report on the Washington Conference was presented to Parliament to-day. It is mostly devoted to setting out the decisions arrived at, and which have already been fully reported, with regard to the Naval Treaty. Its primary importance and significance, he says, is to be found in its financial aspect. It relates to times of peace and to expenditure in preparation for a time of war. It is not an agreement to preserve peace, nor is it intended for that end. The treaty in no way limits the weapons with which States may fight and defend themselves; it merely limits the weapons which they may prepare for that purpose in times of peace. Still less may the treaty be properly regarded as a step towards total naval disarmament; no such impracticable idealism inspired the Washington Conference.

No legislation is required in New Zealand to give effect to the Washington Treaties or resolutions, the only legislative action required being that of the Imperial Parliament. The treaties have to he ratified by His Majesty, and Sir J. Salmond thinks all New Zealand need, do is to formally express approval of such ratification.

Sir J. Salmond also remarks that the presence of representatives of the Dominions has suggested in certain quarters that they have in some way acquired. a new international status, hut there was no foundation for it at Washington. The representatives were there to be consulted and heard on matters affecting them, but not in their own right as quasi independent States. Lord Balfour answered for the British Empire as a whole. The fullest opportunity was given to the Dominion delegates to exercise their right of audience and consultation, and in all internal discussions the British delegation proceeded with the utmost harmony and with ungrudging and courteous recognition of the right of the Dominions to participate. No question ever arose on which it was not possible to secure ultimate unanimity within the British delegation.

The report was laid on the table by the Prime Minister, who intimated that ,the discussion on the report would be •.taken on Friday.