SUBMARINE WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 31, 7 February 1928, Page 7

SUBMARINE WAR.

U.S. AND ABOLITION. "Hypocritical And Egotistical," Says France. A BRITISH VIEW. LBy Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 9 a.m.) LOXDOX, February (S. Messages from Paris say the newspapers there refer to the suggestion recently made by the United States Secretary of State, Mr. F. B. Kellogsr, that submarines should be abolished. They describe the suggestion as hypocritical and egotistical. It is pointed out that the United States joined France and Italy in opposing the British suggestion at the Washington Conference, and the newspapers consider that the change in the American view is only intended to make the public of America believe that country would have disarmed long ago if Europe had been willing. They say that apparently it has been forgotten that neither the United States nor Britain would allow anyone to tcucli their battleships, cruisers and destroyers. "Mr. Kellogg is wasting his time," says the "Quotidien," pointing out that the submarine is the only weapon with which small navied countries can defend themselves against dreadnoughts and cruisers. "If Mr. Kellogg's proposal is accepted he will gain a signal triumph, clearing away the last obstacle to the tyranny of the seas dreamed of by American Imperialists." The naval correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph"' says it would not be wise to attach much importance to Mr. Kellogg's declaration. In the last six years Japan has laid down or authorised the construction of 50 submarines while the United States has only built six. Consequently the inhabitants of the Pacific slope have come to the conclusion that the submarine is the only lighting ship able to carry war to the American coast.

The diplomatic correspondent of the "Telegraph,"' however, is of the opinion that Mr. Kellogg has satisfied himself that Japan is prepared to abandon the submarine if the other Powers are willing to do likewise. — (A. and N.Z. and Sydney "Sun.") KELLOGG SURPRISED At French Attitude To U.S. Offer. " BARBAROUS WARFARE." (Rerrivecl 11.39 a.m.) NEW YORK, February 6. Mr. F. B. Kellogg, interviewed, reiterated that the United States would offer to negotiate treaties to outlaw the submarine, which he described as a "barbarous"' method of warfare. He declared that the United States would offer such treaties as fast as the arbitration treaties, which were now effective, expired. Mr. Kellogg declined, to discuss the United States' naval programme ami expressed surprise, at the hostile attitude of France towards the submarine suggestion. He said: '"No discourtesy was intended in 1113- letter to which France takes exception. It announced that the United States was willing to sign a treaty abolishing submarines if the other world Towers would take that step."

TO BUILD SHIPS. AMERICA'S PURPOSE. (Received 12 noon.) WASHINGTON", February 0. Commander C'. Burner, M.P. (Con.. Middlesex) attended a session of the House Naval Committee. Chairman Butler said: "I hope he will learn that the purpose of the committee is to build ships. - '