AMERICAN PROPOSALS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 142, 20 June 1927, Page 9

AMERICAN PROPOSALS

CAPITAL SHIP SATIO WASHINGTON, 18th June. The American proposals for, the Geneva Disarmament Conference are completed. It is understood they include the following:— First, the establishment of a five-five-three latio for auxiliary craft for Britain, the United States, and . Japan, similar to the existing capital ship ratio, and opposition, to Japan's desire for a larger ratio for herself. i Secondly, the retention of ten-thou-sand maximum tonnage for cruisers and opposition to the possible British-Japanese move for a sixthousand or eight-thousand maximum. ..'■.■■ Thirdly, the retention of ..five-inch guns for cruisers in opposition to the possible British policy of a sixinch limit, which is suitable for merchant ships. Fourthly^ the acceptance, if necessary, of American equality in the 1, cruiser ratio,. based on Britain's present superior tonnage, thus necessitating an American building programme instead of a British reduction. . fifthly, opposition to any effort to reduce the tonnage of capital ships or redefine capital ships already fixed by the Washington Treaty. '. Sixthly, opposition to a possible Jap- . '.anese move to discuss Pacific fortifications. Seventhly, a refusal to discuss the " Panama Canal or the so-called freedom 9t international waterways. It is' understood that American policy as outlined is equally acceptable to both diplomatic and naval advisers. The Administration, therefore, is not expected to incur naval displeasure this time, as it did with features of the Washington Treaty. Mr. Gibson, head of the American delegation, will outline the proposals in general form at the opening of the conference.