FRENCH VIEW.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 307, 28 December 1929, Page 7

FRENCH VIEW.

NAVAL ARMAMENTS. Mediterranean Locarno Plan. MEMORANDUM TO POWERS.' (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) ' (Keceived 9.30 a.m.) ■ * PARIS, December 27. The text is published of the French Government's memorandum wh;ch ■was communicated to the five Powers Mhich will be represented at the forthcoming Naval Conference in London. After a reference to the importance of sea communications to both Britain r.nd France, it asks: "Is it possible for the Mediterranean Powers to arrive at an agreement, with mutual guarantees of non-aggressioi., in which the other Powers which will not be represented at the conference, notably Spain, wculd be represented?" Dealing with the general issue, the French memorandum indicates a preferonce for limitation by total tonnage, but declares a readiness to adhere to a compromise regulating the distribution tf tonnage anicng vho different clashes of ships. France's policy is dechicd to be interdependence of armaments. France hopes that she will not be obliged to deal with questions relating to the fixing of land and air armaments but cannot help pointing out that tonnage adequate to naval requirements stands in c?ose relation to the general ;c\ el of armaments. The memorandum adds that difficulties will not picent Prance from seeking a solution which will enable the Powers so doing to enttr into a mutual Agreement without awr.itmg the conclusioa of the agreement for the limitation of all armaments. The memorandum contends that the reduction of armaments should be based in Article VIII of the Longiie Covenant. / .