SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 September 1934, Page 7

SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS

U.S.A. REJECTS PROPOSAL. [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —OOPYBIGHT.] NEW YORK, August 31. The “New York American’s” Washington correspondent declares: The United States Administration leaders to-day gave a frigid reception to Britain’s proposals for a world agreement on a reduction of the merchant marine fleets of countries. Although the State Department merely admitted that it had received such a, suggestion from Sir J. Simon, high officials intimated that there was little prospect of this country agreeing to any restrictions. They believe that America would be the loser by any possible plan of limitation as this nation’s mercantile flotilla is dangerously inadequate, while Britain’s is far larger than the needs. Thus, any horizontal or proportional tonnage cuts would be detrimental to America.

CONFERENCE DOOMED. LONDON, August 31. The “News-Chronicle” says that America has refused to attend the International Shipping Conference in London in October. This has caused consternation in European maritime circles and has led Sir J. Simon to ask the leading mercantile Powers to exchange views on the restricting of tonnage. A prominent shipowner states that if America persists in her refusal the conference is doomed, though France, Germany, Italy and Japan are willing to attend. It is felt that an Anglo-American rapproachement would solve the whole problem, as the remainder of the world would conform with their action. BUILDING ACTIVITIES. RUGBY, August 31. Following reports that shipbuilding on the Tyne shows 400 per cent iniprovement over 1933, statistics of the Clyde shipyards showing the August output 11 vessels 33,211 tons, were the highest for any month since October, 1930. The trade output for the first eight months of 1934. was 36 vessels 67.786 tons, already exceeding toe 1933 total by 12.000 tons. The new 73,000 ton liner is also under construction and in each month since last August, more tonnage was ordered than launched. At Govan where last year construction was at a standstill, 5,000 men are'now working, and the improvement is general throughout the district.

ANOTHER SUPER LINER. (Recd. Sept. 3, 11 a.m.) LONDON, September 2. The keel of the sistership of Cunarder No. 534 will probably be laid before Christmas. The new liner will be longer than the 534, and indisputably the world’s biggest. The Cunard Company intended 534 to participate in the two vessel service, at first alternating With \the French liner Normandie, but it is unlikely the Company will permanently allow France to share the Atlantic cream.