SMALLER NAVIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1922, Page 5

SMALLER NAVIES.

AMERICA’S NEW PLAN. OPPOSITION AROUSED. HOSTILITY OF THE NAVY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 15, 10.20 p.m. Washington, Dee. 14, It was learnt that the Navy Department will strongly oppose the suggested conference for the limitation of aircraft, submarines and auxiliary wavcraft. Navy officials assert that if such a conference is called the other Powers would probably adopt the same policy pursued by the United States at the last Washington Conference, namely that the various ratio be based on the present naval strength ip aircraft, cruisers, and certain types of submarines, in which the United States is far behind Britain and Japan. The New York Times’ Washington correspondent states the Senate reaction against the House appropriations committee’s suggestion is distinctly unfavorable. Senators of both parties seemed to agree that sueh a conference would be doomed to failure from the begging. Senator Lodge said ths Washington Conference accomplished ail that can be hoped for some time yet in the way of naval limitation. Senator Swanson, ranking <s a Democratic member pf the Senate Naval Affairs Committee, expressed the same view, though he said he would like to see a reduction in minor naval armaments. Senators said thev would oppose the House suggestion when it comes up for consideration in the Senate.—Aus.-N.Z. Gable Assn.