GERMANY’S DEMANDS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 183, 1 May 1933, Page 9

GERMANY’S DEMANDS

Arms Equality Pressed U.S. FAVOURS BRITISH PLAN official Wireless Rugby. April 28. In the General Commission of tbe Disarmament Conference at Geneva this afternoon German amendments to tbe British Draft Convention were presented declaring that tbe attainment of equality should receive practical application in tbe Convention. Germany being allowed all, weapons considered necessary to the defence of other nations, and culling for a more drastic abolition of aggressive weapons than tbe British plan provided. Mr. Norman Davis, United States delegate. urged that the British plan be adopted as a whole. The United States, be said, regarded tbe British plan as a valuable and definite contribution to the work of disarmament and providing a scheme to be followed in progressive steps until arms were brought down to tbe level they all desired. Although ibe plan contained provisions unsuitable for tbe United States, said Mr Davis, its merits outweighed its defects. Efforts should be directed to the adoption of the plan as a whole without making modifications jeopardising its balance. The United States delegation would, therefore, resist anything unduly weakening the plan or jeopardising the success of the Conference. Herr Nadolny, having submitted the German amendments. M. Massigli. representing France, declared that if they represented Germany’s last word there was no hope of any Disarmament Convention. The Commission accepted the American suggestion to proceed to disarmament. postponing further the discussion of the security question until Washington's position towards the Consultative Pact is defined.