NAVAL ARMAMENT

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 8, 4 October 1929, Page 9

NAVAL ARMAMENT

ENGLISH-AMERICAN MOVE

“UNDERSTANDING WILL FOLLOW”

SIR JOSEPH WARD OPTIMISTIC

Expressing the belief that a general international understanding on disarmament would result from the conversations between the British Prime Minister and the American President, the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) yesterday advised a deputation from the Navy League that he would await the outcome of the negotiations before forwarding the league’s representations to the Imperial ajithorities. Mr. R. Darroch, secretary of the league, conveyed to the Prime Minister the league’s congratulations on' the reply he had forwarded to the British Government in regard to the: Singapore Base. The members of the league had been thrilled and inspired by it. Referring to disarmament, Mr. Darroch said that Great Britain'had reduced her naval and air force strength to, a greater extent than any other • nation. France and Italy had not decreased their armaments to any extent. In fact, France had greatly increased the strength of her air force. Russia had increased her army, and the United States had increased both her navy and her air force. The league was in no way opposed to disarmament or to the League of Nations; all it wanted to ensure was the security of, the British Empire. Security was the crux of. the whole position. "

Too Conciliatory?

Mr. T. H. Foster, of Christchurch, said that while it-was the general feeling to-day that disarmament should be brought about, there was just a danger that tlfe new’ British Government would prove too conciliatory, • and would lead the way. He thought the British Government should call a halt until such time as the other nations had followed suit. Mr. Foster stressed the desirability of protecting the trade routes of the Empire, and said the only way that could be done was by the maintenance of an ... efficient navy.

The Rev. A. H. Norris, of Christchurch, said the league was strongly opposed to the policy of freedom of the seas, as they believed ’ that such a policy would lead to the prolongation of wars. The Navy League .advocated the adoption of the law of nations, which gave the right to search and if necessary capture any vessel carrying contrabands of war.

“Reduction Certain.”

In reply, the Prime Minister said they were passing through times of change so far as their relationship with the British Navy and the Navy’s relationship with New Zealand were concerned. The trip of the British Prime Minister to New York was going to be productive of something. and the result of the negotiations was likely to be an alteration of the position of the Dominions as compared with the position before and during the war. If Mr. MacDonald and Mr, Hoover were able to come to terms, it could be taken as certain that three other nations—Germany, France, and Italy—-would be invited to join in. If that were brought about then the world would be in for a lengthy period of peace. Sir Joseph said it was his conviction that a further reduction in armaments would follow the meeting in America, and in view of the reductions: which had been made since the close of the. war it was inclined to make one a little anxious. “In the meantime,” said the Prime Minister, “I think we will have to play a waiting game, instead of stepping in and conveying our views to the British Government. It will be better for us to wait until this meeting in America is over and until we see the result of the overtures. If they are able to come to an agreement, it wjll be the first time that ,the United States of America and Great Britain have been in alliance for defensive purposes, and we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that we would be allied, with one of the most important sections of the world.”

America’s Preparedness.

Sir Joseph remarked that Great Britain was not prepared to go -to war at the present time, and none of the European countries were prepared. The only nation that was ready for war was the United States of America, and he was satisfied that the conversations with President' Hoover would lead to a friendly understanding with that country. . Singapore Necessary.

Sir Joseph said he warmly appreciated the deputations reference to his attitude in regard to the Singapore Base, He held very strong views on the subject, and he had not hesitated to express them. The British Government had not "yet taken any action in regard to the base, and he was of the opinion that they would let it alone. He believed the base would he necessary for the protection of the Dominion's exports between New Zealand and the Old Country. Sir Joseph said that while he was in full sympathy with the views expressed by. the deputation, he thought it would be better to refrain from making any represeptations to the Home Government until such time as the negotiations with America had concluded. He had been in communication with Mr. MacDonald for some months past, and had made a number of representations to him; some of which had not been acceptable to the Home Government. He was not able to give details, as the matter was confidential.