STIMSON SATISFIED

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 32, 7 February 1930, Page 11

STIMSON SATISFIED

PARITY WITH BRITAIN

ATTITUDE TO OTHERS

Unlted Preu Aißodttlon—By Klictrle Tilt

graph—Copyright. (Received 7th February, 2 p.m.)

LONDON, 6th February

In a statement to the Press of the world''this o veiling, Mr. Stimson ' referred to . tho progress .of the Naval Conference. He pointed out that Britain and America had already agreed on parity in principle. It was now possible to go further. American delegates had suggested as regarded Britain immediate parity in every class of ship. America at present has the advantage of 30,000 tons in large cruiser tonnage and Britain of 42,000 in light cruiser tonnage. The United States suggests that each country have the option of exactly duplicating | the other 'j cruiser fleet, Britain reducing the number of small, cruisers and increasing, her large cruisers and America vice versa. As regards 'battleships, America suggests the reduction on both sides in order to give equality in 1931 instead of in 1942. America suggests equal tonnage of destroyers, aircraft carriers, and the xowest supmarine tonnage possible,, America would welcome the abolition of the submarines if all five Powers consented, but she suggests in any event that they do not attack merchantmen without providing safety for. passengers. In the second place, as regards Japan, Mr. Sthnson states that' America suggests tho raine ratio for every class of ship. America has not made proposals to Franco and Italy, but has made suggestions. A settlement between Franco and Italy is essential to .the contemplated agreement.- The American delegates maintain agreement on every item, and are hopeful.