DISARMENT.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17057, 31 January 1921, Page 7

DISARMENT.

THE AMERICAN PROGRAMME. NO REDUCTION LIKELY. (By Cable—Press Association—CJopyrigit.) (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) PARIS, JaHuary 28. Sir Auckland Gcddes (British Ambassador to tho United States) had long interviews with tho lit. Hon. D. Lloyd Georgo on "Wednesday and Thursday. Tlio suggestion that ho brought an American proposal for a naval holiday is regarded as inaccurate. A reduction of tho American programme •is considered unlikely, fn view of the unemployment. RECENT AGREEMENT OPPOSED. < NEW YORK, January 27. It is understood that Senator Johnson will opposo tho Shidehara-Morris agreement, most strenuously when it reaches tho Seriate. Senator Johnson is one of tho most forceful and most powerful leaders in that body, and it. is expected that ho alone would bo able to accomplish the defeat of the agreement. Ho has already declared that he stands exactly where California, stands. He will get the support of tlio Pacific Coast. States, and probably tho Southern States, which consider the question as a States' rights issue. J AMERICA AND PEACE. (Received January 30th, 5.5 p.m.) | WASHINGTON, January 28. I The Secretary for War, Mr Baker, I testifying before tlio House Committee on appropriations, said he believed the United States ought to lead tho world in disarmament as a practical manifestation of its peaceful intentions. SHIPS AND SAPETY. (Received January 30th. 5.3 P'.rn.) NEW YORK, January 23. . Admiral Sims, in a speech at Haverhill, Massachusetts, said that disarmament .was impossible at present. The United States should continue hej" naval construction programme. Only when, all tho nations agreo to do away with their armies and navies "will it be sate for the United States to disarm."

BIG SHIP POLICY. CONTINUANCE PROBABLE. (By Cable—Proas Association—Copyright.) (Australian uid T .Z. Cable Aasocia-tiofi.) (Received January 30th, 6.5 p.m.) LONDON, January/29. Sine© the "Daily Chronicle's announcement that the sub-committee of the Council* of' Imperial Defence had come to a momentous decision against the continuation of the big ship policy on the ground that it involves tho country in naval expenditure which is crushing, and which will mako the effoft to reduce tho war debt impossible, the sub-committee have continued their enquiry. It is known that a largo body at the Admiralty are evidently in favour of continuing to build big ships, though the financial difficulties are very great. It is now understood that Cabinet will not come to a final decision in the matter until it has consulted tho Dominions at the Premiers' Conference.