PLANS FOR DISARMAMENT

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 19 November 1932, Page 5

PLANS FOR DISARMAMENT

BRITAIN’S FOUR POINTS RESORT TO FORCE OPPOSED EQUALITY FOR GERMANY SIR JOHN SIMON’S SPEECH (United Dress Association- By Electric Tetegrspt CJopy right-.) LONDON, Nov. 17. In his speech on disarmament- at Geneva the British Foreign Secretary, Sir John Simon, said the British proposals were primarily directed to the finding of a basis whereon Germany s claim to equality of status could bo dealt with. While hearing in mind that the object of the conference was to effect the- maximum measure of disarmament Sir John suggested under four heads the best means of achieving equality: Firstly, all European countries should join an agreement not to attempt in any circumstances to resolve any difficulties by resort to force. Secondly, . limitation of Germany’s armaments should be contained in the same disarmament convention as. that which will definite the limitation ol armaments, of the others. Thirdly, the. German limitation would last for the same period the limitations imposed on the armaments, of other countries.

Fourthly, Germany should have the legal right to possess, tile armaments permitted to other countries on condition that there is no, rearmament.

MERIT OF PROPOSALS Britain’s call for disarmament j-s given prominence in the Press. It is approved, always with Sir John Simon’s reservation of collaboration with other. Powers. “The great merit of the British proposals is their concentration on the immediate issue, giving Germany no excuse for absenting herself from the conference,” .says ‘H'he Times.’ ’ “They should secure the principle of voluntary but controlled limitation. The only alternative whereto is uncontrolled competition.’-’ The majority of the French newspapers express satisfaction with Sir John Simon’s statement that Britain regards the Versailles Treaty as an obligation which cannot he modified except with the consent of all the signatories, .says a Paris message, Ai Berlin message .says Sir John Simon was fully reported in the evening papers. Tiie papers complain that Germany’s claim to equality is recognised upon conditions rendering equality an illusion.

The delegates at Geneva listened to Sir John Simon witfli rapt attention. The feeling everywhere is that a vitally important stage lias been reached.

CUT IN AIR FORGES.

MOST ARRESTING FEATURE

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Nor. 17.' The feature of the British proposals that attracted most attention was the suggestion for an immediate drastic reduction of air forces a,s a first stage in total elimination.

la considering the' proposals that countries, including Britain, which possess large air armaments should reduce them to two-thirds the size of the present British force, it»should be remembered' that although Britain now stands only fifth in size among the world 'air Powers, she did possess at the end of the war the largest and most powerful air force in the world, which since has been reduced unilaterally . A further immediate measure proposed. was limitation of the unladen weight of military aircraft to the lowest figure generally agreed to.. Pending examination of these proposals it is considered not (unreasonable to expect Germany to withhold any claim to possess military aircraft. Regarding land armaments, the limitation of mobile guns to 105 millimetres —Germany’s limit as prescribed by the treaty —and the abolition of tanks above a given weight fixed: to exclude those .suitable for offensive operations, are the most striking features.

Regarding the naval proposals, which include a reduced isize for battleshins and cruisers and the abolition of 'Submarines, further conversations are proceeding at Geneva between, representatives of the chief naval Powers. Sir John Simon emphasised that the immense armament reductions made in recent yeans, by the British Government precluded it from going further without a- general agreement.