ARMAMENTS CONGRESS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6184, 15 September 1921, Page 5

ARMAMENTS CONGRESS.

PROPOSED NAVAL LIMITATION

JAPAN WON’T REDUCE PRESENT STRENGTH.

NO BASES IN PACIFIC

(Received Sept. 14. 11.10 p.m.) TOKIO, Sept. 13. The Asahi Shimbun says: Foreign office and naval and military experts have decided the ground of principle of naval limitation whereto Japan can agree, namely: Japan will neither suspend the previously arranged building programmes nor reduce the strength of her navy independently. Japan believes that it .is against the fundamental-spirit of the Armament Conference that any power should possess superior forces, sufficient to obtain victory over any Power or Powers. All Powers, therefore, should reduce their armaments to the same degree. As the country having the smallest navy strength among the Powers concerned, the latter should not establish any naval base in the Pac.fic. The Asahi adds: It has also been decided that tlie present building programme should be extended over a longer number of years than was originally contemplated.—A. and N.Z.. C.A.

Sept. 14, 10.30 p.m.) TOKIO, Sept. 13. The League of Nations Association of Japan has issued a statement endorsing the Armament Conference, and asking League of Nations’ Associations in ’ various countries to endorse the movement, expressing a desire for a complete understanding among the Powers on Far Eastern questions. A strong international organisation is needed to back up reduction in armaments. The conference may result in the League being recognised bv all nations. WASHINGTON, Sept.. 13. A council of fourteen Washington correspondents lias been formed to advise and assist Government officials in arranging publicity facilities regarding the. Armament Conference. They will consult shortly with Mr. Hughes and Mr. Harding concerning the allotment of press space, housing, entertainment, and credentials of visiting correspondents.—A. and N.Z. Cable Assn.

MR. UNDERWOOD’S VIEWS

DISARMAMENT WOULD AID ECONOMIC POSITION.

(Received Sept. 14, 5.30 n.m.) NEW YORK, Sept. 13. According to a message from Alabama, Mr. Underwood lias announced his acceptance of appointment as delegate to the Armament Conference. He personally favors publicity at the Conference, but must abide by the delegates’ decision. He believes the biggest task will be convincing foreign countries of the effectiveness and necessity cf the agreement to disarm, and is hopeful of such agreement, which he believes will have an. immediate favorable reaction on the economic world.—A. and N.Z. Cable Assn.