FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

Evening Star, Issue 20328, 9 November 1929, Page 14

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

MR HOOVER'S AIM DISCUBSIOH AT LONDON CONFERENCE Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. •WASHING TON, November 8. (Received November 9, at 9.30 a.m.V It is learned that Mr Hoover is seeking’ means of broadening tho London Conference to include a discussion of the freedom of the seas. Word of this trend, of events became, known in diplomatic circles following a conference at White House between Mr Hoover, and Mr H. L. Stinison (Secretary of*State). It is understood that General Dawes, who is sailing for England to-night, has been acquainted with the President’s views regarding the entire question of wartime law of the seas. It is believed iii official circles thafl General Dawes will present the views of the United States informally to the British Government, ..and if a formula can be found to bring the two Governments to a general understanding on the subject the way will be paved for drawing up a specific recommendation to the London Conference for a restatement of tho laws of blocks ade, search, seizure, and rights of neutrals.

. The President, it is believed, canvassed every phase of this problem during the discussions with Mr MacDonald, and, although no formula could be found at that time for presenting the-problem to the London Conference, a free exchange of views left Mr Hoover hopeful that means would be discovered to bring up the question for consideration. Mr Macdonald is regarded here as disposed to support any plan for a discussion of the freedom of the seas which would assure the security of the British Empire.