NAVAL PROBLEMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 209, 17 June 1935, Page 5

NAVAL PROBLEMS.

FRANCE MANIFESTS ANXIETY. NEW BRITISH CONSTRUCTION. (United Press Association—Copyright). LONDON, June 15. It is learned from Paris that the French Premier (M. Pierre Laval) and Minister of Marine (M. Framcois Pietri) have been deputed to draft a reply to a communication from the British Government relating to the Anglo-German talks, manifesting anxiety; but the "Daily Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent says that the Government has no intention of accepting any position which would give France cause for alarm. '■• The naval correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" learns that the first long-term British naval programme since the Naval Defence Act of 1889 was passed is likely to be introduced in 1936. It is expected to provide, besides annual new construction, replacement of obsolete vessels in every category. THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT. WELCOMED BY NEWSPAPERS. LONDON, June 14. Herr J. von Rifrentrop and other members of the German naval mission> who returned to London yesterday, were received by Sir Samuel Hoare (Foreign Secretary) this morning, and later in the day there were individual exchanges of views between them and members of the British delegation on certain technical matters. The British delegation will meet tomorrow and ft formal joint meeting of the two delegations will be held later. The form of the ultimate agreement that may be expected to emerge from the present discussions remains to be settled, but it is understood uuat the basis of it will be an arrangement under which German construction would be limited to 35 per cent, of the British naval strength, calculated in categories of under-age ships and subject to such latitude as may seem necessary*, and . also that the ratio would not be subject to disturbance by any action of the other Powers, or by any future change in- Germany's status. It will be recalled that Herr Hitler in his Reichstag speech when defining the German naval demands declared that for Germany this 35 per cent, ratio was fixed and abiding. The newspapers warmly welcome the prospect of an Anglo-German arrangement on these lines to take place in any agreement that may later result from international discussion of the limitation of naval armaments. The other Powers signatory to the Washington and London naval limitation treaties have been informed of the stage reached in the Anglo-German talks.—British Official Wireless. FURTHER MEETING OF EXPERTS (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, June 15. A further meeting between the experts who are taking part in the Anglo-German naval conversations took place at the Admiralty to-day.— British Official Wireless.