NAVAL LIMITATIONS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 August 1929, Page 5

NAVAL LIMITATIONS.

——— SENATOR V. PRESIDENT. (Australian Press Association.) (By Cable—Press Abbo—Copyright.) ■WASHINGTON, August 3. Senator Swanson has issued a statement declaring that Mr Hoover proceeded contrary to law in suspending the construction of the three cruisers. Senator Swanson asserts that Congress gave a plain mandate for their construction and that the President was given no discretion to suspend expenditure of the money available for the purpose. •, Mr Swanson warned President Hoover: “There is too much disrespect for the law in America,” and that since he has appointed a committee to study that subject, “it behoved the President to obey the law himself.” The Senator stated he did not think the President’s action would aid in obtaining another agreement for further naval limitation with Britain, but instead, would delay such negotiations and continue the present status, which, he maintained, accorded to Britain’s navy, overwhelming superiority over ours.” When equality between these two navies is reached by. reduction, instead of increase, it would help to promote world peace.

MEDITERRANEAN FLEET.

LONDON, August 3.

It is reported from Malta that the warships Queen Elizabeth, Barham, Valiant and Malaya, will be withdrawn from the Mediterranean Fleet in order to give the men more home service and relieve congestion at Malta Harbour. The “Daily Telegraph’s” naval correspondent regards the change. as momentous, and expresses the opinion that the change is not unconnected with the naval conversations between Britain and the United States. The withdrawal of four battleships will be a Mow to Malta. LATER. The Admiralty confirm the transfer of the battleships from Malta. SUBMARINE DISASTER. LONDON, August 2. Lieut. Robert Gardner, Commander of H 47, was acquitted by the Court Martial at Portsmouth on chargs of losing or hazarding his ship; but was found guilty alternatively of failing to avoid or minimise the negligent handling of LI 2. The Court reprimanded him.