NAVAL LIMITATION

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 82, 31 December 1928, Page 9

NAVAL LIMITATION

ATTITUDE OF UNITED STATES

THE CRUISER PROBLEM FIRES

PREPARATORY COMMISSION TO MEET

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Australian Press Assn. —United Service.

Washington, December 28.

The participation of the United States in the discussion of the Preparatory Commission for a Disarmament Conference at Geneva on April 15, 1929, according to the State Department, seems to be assured, although official notification of the meeting has not been received yet. Unless there is some satisfactory proposal for the limitation of cruisers, the Administration's officials have little hope of any concrete progress from the Commisslon’c meeting. America’s position regarding cruisers and submarines is said to be unchanged from that urged at the Three Power Conference at Geneva in 1927. The Government has, however, expressed its willingness to use its best efforts to obtain a basis for further naval limitation satisfactory to all Powers. The United States is described as being willing to consider at any conference the special needs of France, Italy, and any other Power for a particular class of vessel if such is deemed to be most suitable for their defence. This attitude was expressed by Mr. Kellogg in response to the Franco-British compromise.

It is understood that the first item of the Disarmament Commission’s agenda will be the Soviet's plan for an immediate 50 per cent, reduction of armaments, but this is likely to be •submerged in the general discussion on the possibility of carrying out the League’s 1928 Assembly hope expressed at the first General Disarmament. Conference not later than 1930. ■

(Australian. Press Association.)

Geneva, December 28.

The Preliminary Commission on Disarmament has been convened for April 15, the first meeting .for two years.

CONFERENCE NOT ADVISED AT PRESENT

(Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Rec.. December'3o, 11.5 p.m.)

London, December 29.

In the course of the Navy League’s New Year message, Lord Sydenham, while welcoming any Anglo-American agreement regarding cruiser strength leaving Britain free to build what her special conditions demand, declares that it would be at present the wisest course not to enter further conferences, which would be liable to be used to promote misunderstandings. Attempts to standardise armies and navies would inevitably lead-to further competition, which it was'desirable to avoid. The League of Nations Would better serve the'cause of world harmony by postponing disarmament efforts until a more propitious future.

OPPOSITION TO CRUISER BILL

(Australian Press Association.)

Washington, December 28. Opposition to the Navy Cruiser Construction Bill will continue, regardless of the success or failure of the Kellogg Peace Treaty.

So far the opponents of the Bill calling for the construction, of fifteen cruisers and one aeroplane carrier have confined themselves to a fight for action on the treaty ahead of the navy measure, but now they are preparing to continue the battle even if the Peace Pact is ratified before the debate, on the Bill closes. They are not likely to be able to prevent its passage, but there is a possibility that they may succeed in reducing the number of ships authorised, by the Bill;as it was passed, by the House last session, because' many Senators who are not opposed to naval construction would vote for a modification of the programme.