NAVAL CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 233, 28 June 1929, Page 11

NAVAL CONFERENCE

EXPECTED TO BE CALLED IN FEW MONTHS

INDICATIONS -POINT TO , MEETING IN LONDON

QUESTIONS OF SCOPE AND

CHARACTER

A Washington correspondent states that the Indications are that a conference of five naval Powers will be arranged for in London, and that the expectations are that the gathering may be called within three to seven months. Diplomatic representatives are considering the scope and clnracter of the conference.

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

(Rec. June 27, 7.15 p.m.)

New York, June 26.

The “New York Times” Washington correspondent states that all the indications are that a conference of five naval Powers will be arranged for shortly In London. It Is understood that diplomatic representatives of the French, Italian and Japanese Governments are participating In the present discussions with Mr. MacDonald, General Dawes and Mr. Gibson. It is understood the questions being considered are: Shall there first be a meeting of civilian negotiators to determine the scope and character of the conference, or shall naval experts meet first to discuss the so-called naval “yardstick," and shall the scope of the conference be limited to cruisers or all classes of combatant vessels? It is believed that Mr. MacDonald’s visit to the United States may be expedited by the Speed With which the present discussions in London are proceeding. The expectation is that the new naval conference may be called within three to seven months. DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON MACDONALD, DAWES, AND GIBSON BRITISH PRIME MINISTER HOPEFUL (British Official Wireless,) Rugby, June 26. The Prime Minister yesterday had a further conversation on disarmament with the American Ambassador, General Dawes, during which Mr. Hugh Gibson, who represented the United States on the Preparatory Disarmament Committee, was also present. Mr. Gibson reached London last week-end to discuss the question with General Dawes. Referring to this conversation during a speech at a Labour Party gathering last night, the Prime Minister added: “I am hopeful-t-I will put it no higher than that” The Prime Minister said: “The great thing that is wanted in the world to-day Is the capacity of different nations to put themselves in each other’s shoes, and that will be one of the things we shall try to do in the conduct of the negotiations. I hope before many days we shall be in a ’position to make an announcement of how the negotiations are to be conducted, where the Conference is to be held, and what objects we shall aim at.” Mr. Arthur Henderson, the Foreign Secretary, said that it would be the a Im" of the Government to promote by every means in its power international peace and good relations with all countries. They hoped to accomplish something In this direction that would be permanently constructive, and to remove a large part of the burdens of armaments that rested so heavily not only on Britain but on Europe.

REFERENCES AT EMPIRE LEAGUE DINNER

OFFICERS’ CAREERS CUT SHORT

(British Official Wireless.)

Rugby, June 26.

The Prince of Wales, General Dawes, and Admiral of the Fleet Lord Jellicoe were among those who spoke at the British Empire Service League dinner last night, at which references were made to naval reductions. Lord Jellicoe said that the Service League worked with all its strength In the interests of world peace, and General Dawes, since his arrival in Britain, had put his hand to the same task. By reducing naval armaments heavy blows might be aimed at his brother officers. Many of their finest officers and men had had their careers in the service cut short, but no single word of complaint had come from them. It was to the eternal credit of the British Navy that the position had been accepted always in the spirit of loyalty and without complaint. He hoped that if any further reductions were necessary it would be possible to arrive at some sort of finality so that in future they would know to some extent the personnel necessary, and the same hardships would not be Inflicted on officers and men as had been the case in the past. Those men deserved to reap praise for the manner in which they had accepted the position up to now. ' AUSTRALIAN NAVY DRASTIC RETRENCHMENT EXPECTED Melbourne, June 27. Instructions issued by the Federal Ministry to the three Defence Forces are expected to result in drastic retrenchments in the Australian Navy. The Ministry appears to have committed Itself to the maintenance of a larger squadron than it is possible to find money for. The number of ships in commission will have to be reduced. It is suggested that one or both of the new submarines and the depot ship Platypus may be placed In reserve with twelve other ships lying idle in Sydney

Harbour. This will entail heavy reductions in personnel. THE KELLOGG PACT APPROVED BY JAPANESE PRIVY COUNCIL Tokio, June 26. The Privy Council to-day approved the ratification of the Kellogg Pact. SATISFACTION AT WASHINGTON (Rec. June 27, 7.15 p.m.) Washington, June 26. The Japanese approval of the Kellogg Pact is greeted with deep satisfaction here, particularly as it means that with the deposit of Japan’s ratification, which is expected within a month, the Treaty cornea into forca,