DISARMAMENT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 14 February 1927, Page 5

DISARMAMENT

MR. COOLIDGE’S PROPOSALS

OPINIONS OF THE NATIONS. VARIOUS. PRESS COMMENT. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGH i GENEVA, Feb. 12. President Cbolidge’s proposals were riiost unexpected, but were received with the .greatest gratification in League circles. They are regarded as the greatest single advance hitherto made for World disarmament. They are tantamount to transferring the discussion of naval disarmament from Washington to Geneva. LONDON, Feb. 11. President Cbolidge’s proposals, continues to .attract attention. The Daily Telegraph points out that, as far .as Britain is concerned, it is apparent that the naval problems to which President Coolidge refers concern not only us hut the population in the Dominions. They were represented at the Washington Conference, and any action which this country should take must be in full harmony wi tli the views of the younger nations. The Daily Express hopes there will be no. attempt to ignore or repudiate President Ooolidge’s friendly gesture.

WELCOMED IN PRINCIPLE. TOKIO, Feb. 12. The keynote of the vernacular Press comment -.regarding the disarmament proposal is that it will be welcomed in principle, though it is regarded as dimcult of achievement. The application of tlie 5 ,5 —3 .ratio of all classes of vessels is unanimously opposed. There is an underlying feeling that the proposal Is closely connected with. American internal politics. The Asahi considers the first step should be spiritual armament limitation, in which it includes the suspension of the construction of the Singapore naval base and the modification oi American immigration legislation, which the paper regards as disturbing elements.

TEST OF GOOD FAITH. AMERICAN OPINION. NEW YORK, Feb. li. Trie New \oik Times n asnmgio.u states tnat a reeling exists here time. President Coolidgeh <Usaiinanient proposals, will oe 1 utile, Put uieie j.s a nattier general opinion that tliey will not only test the good taitn ui tiie duel naval Powers, but wi.il clear tlie way four a determination ol future American nav.al policy. l iie President expects the proposals to be accepted, and feels that it the naval situation is clarified by a conference, the way will be cleared for an agreement upon a standard of land and aii' curtailment. Members of the Senate Naval Affairs Committee have issued a joint statement to. show that to. bring the United States to naval equality with Britain, it would be necessary to enter upon a tremendous building programme. It is thought-here that Britain, smd Japan will accept President Cbolidge’s invitation, but France is regarded as the is tumbling block. COOL RECEPTION IN FRANCE. PARIS, Feb. 11. The Press receives President Cbolidge’s proposals coolly, considering the limitation of small cruising craft damaging to France. Le Temps expresses the opinion that the proposals l are essentially those of a country not fearing a .land attack. France is determined to solve tfye disarmament problem via Geneva, noi at Washington, on the basis that naval, military and air forces are inseparable, while war potentiality, including population resources, industrial development and geographical situation, must also be considered.

TTA.LY AND GERMANY FAVOURABLE. ROME, Feb. 11. It is practically assured that Italy will accept President Oooiidge’is invitation, though .she is certain to- claim equality with Fnanoe in naval building. BERLIN, Feb. 11. The Foreign Office' spokesman welcomes President' Coolidge’s proposal. He states that he believes the United States is most qualified to assume the initiative in disarmament became it has no axe to grind.