FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 November 1929, Page 7

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

ANGLO-AMERICAN DISCUSSION MR. HOOVER’S PROPOSAL' (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.) > (Received November 9, 10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, November 8. It is learned that Mr Hoover is seeking means of broadening the London Conference to include discussion on 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 Stimson. 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 in official circles that General Dawes will present the United States’ views informally, to the British Government and if a formula can.be found to bring the two Governments to a general understanding on the subject, a way will be paved for drawing a specific recommendation to the London Conference, for the statement of the laws of blockade, 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, the free exchange of views left Mr Hoover hopeful that means would be discovered to bring up the question for early consideration. Mr MacDonald is regarded here as disposed to support any plans for discussion of the freedom of the seas which would assure the security of the British Empire.

BRITAIN & 'CHINA j / ■ — HONG KONG, November 8. Following the recent Anglo-Chinese naval agreement which aims at the modernisation of the Chinese navy, a party of Chinese naval cadets, in charge of a British naval officer, left Hong Kong to-day for England.