NAVAL REDUCTION.

Grey River Argus, 26 April 1929, Page 5

NAVAL REDUCTION.

Japan’s Attitude. PRAISE FOR HOOVER’S PEACE ASPIRATIONS. TOKYO, April 24. Commenting on Mn Gibson’s Geneva statement, Tokyo officials reiterate that Japan will support any rational plan of a reduction of navies. They are full of. praise for Mr Hoover’s peaceable aspirations, but are somewhat doubtful of the extent of America’s willingness to concede her previous standpoint as evidenced by Senator Britten’s reported criticism of Gibson. NO CONFERENCE BEFORE ELECTION. (Received April 25 at 5 p.m.) LONDON, April 24. The “Daily Telegraph’’ states that •Cabinet considered Mr Gibson's proposal a.nd sent instructions to Lord Cushendun, recommending preliminary explorations of the problem, but i naval conference will not be held prior to the general election.

“A VICTORY FOR BRITISH DIPLO MACY.” Received April 25 at 7 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 24. Government officials are greatly pleased over the cordial reception given by Europe to Mr Gibson’s proposal. They feel that the American suggestions will result in some concrete understanding, leading to a practical international agreement for the curtailing of fighting fleets; although a separate Naval Conference is not contem plated for the time being. Representative Britten was one who expressed dissatisfaction at Mr Gibson’s speech, He declared; “It is a

complete surrender of the basic principles of the agreement proposed by the American delegates to the last Geneva Conference, and another naval victory for British diplomacy.”