DISAPPOINTMENT IN U.S.

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21533, 24 July 1935, Page 11

DISAPPOINTMENT IN U.S.

HOPES OF CONFERENCE ABANDONED NO PLANS TO EXCEED TREATY STRENGTH I, i e I CONFERENCE TO ENSURE NEUTRALITY t (-JKITED PBJSSS ASSOCIATIOJf—COPIBtOHT.) (Received July 23, 8.40 pjn.) WASHINGTON, July 22. Sir Bolton Eyres-Monsell's announcement that Britain would abandon the ratio principle of naval limitation was received with disappointment, but apparently with little surprise, by official circles here. Neither the State Department nor the Naval Department commented publicly, but apparently all hope is now abandoned that the naval conference scheduled for this year will be. held. On the other hand, it is expected that Britain will abide by the 5-5-3 ratio until December 31, 1937, when the ratio provisions of the treaties of 1922 and 1930 expire. Senator K. Pittman, chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, declared that the statement by Sir Bolton Eyres-Monsell constituted the abandonment of the Washington Treaty. "It is just another move construing treaties as only scraps of paper," he said. However, Senator P. Tranmell, Chairman of the Senate Naval Committee, expressed the belief that the British Government did not intend to have an open season for naval building until 1937.

American officials have stated that the. United States has not insisted on continuing the precise 5-5-3 ratio, but has advocated limitation of navies to equality of security, as opposes to the Japanese demand for equality-of armaments. Under the projected construction programme the American navy is expected to reach treaty strength ,in 1942, and it is unofficially indicated that the Government has no intention of beyond that unless some other power creates a definite issue by literally breaking down the naval treaties.

To-day Mr Roosevelt held a conference with several advisers, on foreign affairs,' and ' the international situation, with particular attention to the maintenance of American neutral in any conflict, It is learned that the discussion on neutrality touched upon the possibility of legislation designed to prevent the United States becoming embroiled in foreign conflicts. Four bills affecting United States interests in wartime are pending.