NAVAL CONFERENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17974, 20 March 1930, Page 5

NAVAL CONFERENCE.

JAPAN AND AMERICA.

COR3 PROMISE REJECTED. JAPANESE ADHERE TO DEMAND. TOKIO, March 19. It is reported on reliable authority that at the conclusion of a lengthy deliberation and examination of the latest American proposals at the Naval Conference in London the Japanese authorities are determined to adhere to Japan’s original minimum demands. These demands are for a 70 per cent, ratio of large cruisers and the maintenance of the existing tonnage in submarines. ROME, March 19. In an article in Giornale d’ltalia it is admitted that Italy’s position at the Naval Conference would be very unsatisfactory if a four Powers treaty were concluded, excluding her. The paper says there arc signs of pressure from everywhere being brought to bear to induce Italy to modify her attitude. However, no newspaper at present indicates that there is any likelihood of a concession being made. LONDON, March 19. As the conference is in a stage of uncertainty the review of the situation which Mr A. V. Alexander, First Lord of ttie Admiralty, gave in the House of Commons last evening was naturally guarded. The Opposition, in the circumstances, showed a desire not to embarrass the Government by questions or by excessive criticism. Mr Alexander defined Britain’s policy as a determination to avoid unilateral disarmament and competition in building. He paid a tribute to Sir Charles Madden, First Sea Lord, who is to retire from that position at the end of the conference, and will be succeeded by Sir Frederick Field. Tile main criticism offered by the Opposition came from Mr Winston Churchill, lie said ho thought that the redefined cruiser strength as 50 cruisers less than 20 years old was such a great reduction as to amount to unilateral disarmament.

LATER.

“ CEASE FROWNING.” ADVICE TO ITALIANS AND FRENCH AWAITING TARDIEU’S RETURN. (Received (March 20, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, March 19. It is admitted that the only conference activity at present attempted by the experts is to find a way round or through the Frcnch-Italian deadlock. There is nn justification for the suggestion that pressure is being extended on Rome. At least one of the waiting delegations told the French and Italian representatives that the time had ceased for frowning at one another; they must get lo grips with the problems. It is not expected that any progress will he made before M. Tardieu returns on Saturday.