FRIENDLY SENTIMENTS

Evening Star, Issue 20040, 4 December 1928, Page 5

FRIENDLY SENTIMENTS

THE NAVAL PROBLEM BRITAIN AND AMERICA (British Official Wireless.) Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. RUGBY, December 3. (Received December 4, at noon.) In the House of Commons to-day questions w r ore asked regarding 'the communication addressed to Mr Baldwin by Mr Britten (chairman of the Naval Affairs Committee of the American House of Representatives) recalling the desire expressed by Mr Baldwin in a speech on November 13 for more frequent personal discussion between American and British representatives, and proposing a meeting on Canadian soil between the American Naval Affairs Committee and a select committee of the British House of Commons to discuss the subject of Anglo-American equality in sea power. The Prime Minister said that ho had replied to Mr Britten cordially reciprocating the spirit which inspired his suggestion, and sharing Mr Britten’s earnest desire for ft complete understanding between the two countries. He had pointed out, however, that in his speech of November 13 ho was speaking, not of the Legislatures, but of the executives of the Governments, and it was the absence of facilities for personal intercourse between Ministers which he regretted. Except to remove this possible misunderstanding of his speech, he felt it would not be consistent with the courtesy which lie owed to the United States Government to express any further opinion on the pro posal, about which he understood it bad nob been consulted. Ho would therefore only repeat his appreciation of Mr Britten’s friendly sentiments. PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM MR BALDWIN. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON, December 3. (Received December 4, at 11.30 a.m.) Mr Britten has received a personal cablegram from Mr Baldwin in reply to his limitations suggestion, the contents of which he will announce tomorrow before a full meeting of the House Naval Committee. Mr Britten said: “The message is about 200 words long, and in the kindliest spirit.” Mr Laguardia, a member of the Senate, suggested holding such a conference, but is arranging for same through diplomatic channels, rather than appealing direct to Mr Baldwin. —Australian Press Association.