“CONTRARY TO LAW”

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 265, 5 August 1929, Page 11

“CONTRARY TO LAW”

PRESIDENT HOOVER CRITICISED

A NAVAL CONSTRUCTION MATTER SUSPENSION OF WORK ON THREE CRUISERS The naval limitation discussions proceeding in England between the Prime Minister (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald) and General Charles Dawes arc the subject of conflicting reports—a London message stating that an agreement has been reached, and Washington comment indicating that such is not the case. Meantime, President Hoover has come in for a verbal castigation from a Democratic Senator regarding the suspension of work on three cruiser*. (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Australian Press Association. (Rec. August 4, 11 p.m.) Washington, August 3. Senator C. A. Swanson has issued a statement declaring that President Hoover proceeded “contrary to law in suspending the construction of three cruisers. Mr. Swanson asserted that Congress gave a plain mandate for their construction and that the President is given no discretion to “suspend expenditure” of money available for the purpose. Mr. Swanson warned President Hoover that “there is too much disrespect for the law in America,” and that since he appointed a committee to study that subject “it behoves the President to obey the >aw himself.” Senator Swanson stated he did not think the President's action would aid in obtaining another agreement for further naval limitation with Great Britain, but instead would 'delay such negotiations and continue the present status, which he maintained accorded Britain’s navy “overwhelmin superiority over ours.” When equality between these two navies was reached by reduction instead of increase it would help to promote world peace. THE MACDONALD-DAWES DISCUSSION “FORMULA REACHED.” London, August 2. The “Evening Standard” asserts that Mr. MacDonald and General Dawes have reached a formula restricting the building of battleships, decreasing their size, prolonging the life of those now in commission, and declaring their willingness to stop building submarines. This will form the basis of communications with France. Italy, and Japan. “NO RELATION TO FACTS.” Washington, August 2. The four points on which London reports have said that Mr. MacDonald and General Dawes have reached an agreement in their naval discussions are said by authoritative sources here to have no relation to facts. State Department officials declined to comment, but strongly indicated that considerable ground must be covered before anything in the nature of a definite, conclusive agreement was forthcoming. PRESS REPORTS DENIED. London, August 2. A high authority at Washington denies London Press reports announcing that an agreement has been tentatively reached on cutting down the size and extending the life of battleships and abolishing submarines. ' WARSHIPS WITHDRAWN FROM MALTA “NOT UNCONNECTED WITH NAVAL CONVERSATIONS” Australian Press Association. (Rec. August 4. 5.5 p.m.) London, August 3. It is reported from Malta that the warships Queen Elizabeth, Barham. Valiant, and Malaya will be withdrawn from the Mediterranean Fleet in order to give the men more Home service and relieve the congestion at Malta harbour. The “Daily Telegraph's” naval correspondent regards the change as momentous, and expresses the opinion that the change is not unconnected with the naval conversations between Britain and the United States. The withdrawal of the four battleships will be a blow to Malta. Australian Press Association. (Rec. August 4, 11 p.m.) London, August 3. The Admiralty confirms the transfer of battleships from Malta. The reasons a-* those which were at first stated. LOSS OF SUBMARINE H 47 COMMANDER REPRIMANDED Australian Press Assn.—United Service. London, August 2. Lieutenant Robert Gardner. Commander of the lost submarine 114". was acquitted at a court-martial at Portsmouth on charges of losing or hazarding his ship, lint was found guilty, alternatively, of failing to avoid or to minimise the negligent handling of the submarine Ll2. The Court reprimanded him. Lieutenant Claud Keen, officer on watch on the Ll2, was at an earlier court-martial found guilty of negligence, dismissed his ship, and severely reprimanded.