SMALLER NAVIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1922, Page 5

SMALLER NAVIES.

BRITAIN FULFILS TREATY. ONLY POWER TO DO SO. A SERIOUS POSITION. By Telegraph.—Press Aasn.-—-Copyright. Received November 30, 5.5 p.m. London, Nov. 29. In the Houfle of Commons Mr. EyresMonsell (Financial Secretary to the Admiralty), replying for Lord Curzon, stated that under the Washington Treaty eight British capital ships had already been delivered to ship-breaking firms, six more had been ren. derpd incapable of warlike service and two more would be similarly dealt with by December 31. Mr. Eyres-Monsell added that until all the Powers ratified the treaty, which France and Italy had not yet done, none were bound to dispose of vessels. He disagreed with the suggestion that the answer disclosed the serious fact that Britain had scrapped every ship except the Lion, while the other nations had done nothing. He thought it right that Britain should give a lead in good faith and demonstrate her intention to observe the treaty. He undertook, however, not to deal with further ships until other countries acted. An offieal announcement has now been made that Britain will discontinue scrapping until France and Italy ratify the Washington Treaty. INFLUENCE ON AUSTRALIA. IMPORTANCE oi' THE TREATY. Melbourne, Nov. 30. Mr. Hughes, in a speech at Bendigo. said there was doubt whether France and Italy would ratify the Washington Disarmament Treaty. If it were not ratified it might mean a blow that would prove fatal to the existence of Australia. Ratification meant more to Australia than anyone else.