AMERICAN ATTITUDE

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 32, 6 August 1927, Page 9

AMERICAN ATTITUDE

BRITAIN ONLY TO BLAME

APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE

(United Press Association.—Copyright.)

(Eeceived 6th August, 1.30 p.m.)

WASHINGTON, sth August.

Following on the failure of the Geneva Conference, the Coolidge Administration's next disarmament activity is expected to bo an effort to limit the world's great navies through force of public opinion.

The United States is already scheduled to call a Five-Power Disarmament Conference early in 1931, undo.- the terms of the Washington Treaty of 1921. In the meantime officials intend to make limitation subject No. 1 for general discussion by the citizens of the United S*ates, and other countries as well as by officials.

President Coolidge is expected to take a firm stand against- the anticipated "Big Navy" campaign in next Congress, although he favours reasonable increases.

Mr. Wilbur, Secretary for the Navy, is proceeding to Bapid City to confer on the situation with the President, •and also to discuss the next Naval Budget. OUTSTANDING FEATURES. The following outstanding features of the situation are noted here:— (1) The American officials' linn attitude in holding Britain responsible for the failure of the conference. (2) At the same time they emphasise the good feeling existing between the two nations, apparently for the 'purpose of offsetting the "big navy" movement. (3) That the bonds of friendship between the United States and Japan appear to be stronger than ever, the Oriental delegates having supported the American proposals to the limit. (4)_ The United States will continue inferior to Great Britain in cruiser strength, but superior in destroyers for several years at least.

Sir Arthur 'Winert, chief of the Press Department at the British Foreign Office, declared that Britain would continue building to meet her needs, irrespective of other nations.