U.S. PROGRAMME.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 143, 20 June 1927, Page 7

U.S. PROGRAMME.

Draft of Proposals To Be Discussed. AUXILIARY CRAFT RATIO. WASHINGTON, June 19. The draft of the proposals to be submitted by the United States Government to the three-Powers naval disarmament conference at Geneva, commencing on Monday, has been completed. It is understood the proposals include :— (1) The establishment of a 5-rs—3 ratio for auxiliary craft by the United States, Britain and Japan, similar to the existing ratio for capital ships, and position to Japan's desire for a larger ratio for herself. (2) The retention of 10,000 tons as the maximum tonnage for cruisers, and opposition to a possible move by Britain and Japan for a maximum of 6000 to 8000 tons. (3) The retention of -sin guns for CTuisers, and* opposition to the possible British policy of a 6in limit, which would be suitable for use on merchant ships. (4> The acceptance, if necessary, of equality for America in the cruiser ratio, based on Britain's present superior tonnage, thus necessitating an American building programme instead of a reduction by Britain. (5) Opposition to any effort to reduce the tonnage of capital ships' or to redefine the capital ships already fixed by the Washington Treaty. (6) Opposition to a possible move by Japan to discuss the question of fortifications in the Pacific. (7) A refusal to discuss the Panama Canal or the so-called "freedom of international waterways." It is understood that the policy of the United States, as outlined, is equally acceptable to the diplomatic and the naval advisers of the Government. It is, therefore, not expected to incur the displeasure of the naval authorities in Washington, as did certain features of the Washington Treaty. Mr. Hugh Gibson, head of the American delegation, will outline the proposals in general form at the opening session of the conference.