THE CONFERENCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 70, 6 March 1930, Page 5

THE CONFERENCE

FRANCE AGAIN REPRESENTED

M. TARDIEU’S MESSAGE.

HOPES FOR SUCCESSFUL WORK. (British Official Wireless.] (Received 6,1 J .30 a.m.) ‘ Rugby, March 5. M. Tiirdieu, the French Premier, has addressed the following telegram to the Rt Hon. J. Ramsay MacDonald on resinning the leadership of the French Government:—“l desiie to express to you my cordial good wishes, as also to our colleagues of the American, British, Italian and Japanese delegations und to assure you of the pleasure 1 shall feel in again participating in our joint efforts for the success of the conference.”

Mr, MacDonald replied: “In the name of all our colleagues 1 send you our warmest greetings and thanks foi your telegram. We look forward with pleasure to the renewal of our collaboration with you in the work of the conference. Before you cross the Channel 1 extend to you the hand of friendship.’’

INTEREST REVIVED. (United Preen Association- By Cable— Copyright.) (Received 0, 11.35 a.m.) London, March t>. Revived intdfest in the Naval Conference largely centres about the agitation in America over the breakdown of the Senatorial objection to a consultative agreement as an addendum to the Kellogg Pact. It is expected that M. Tardieu, over the week-end, will not be slow to press with renewed vigour original declaration that reduction of her demands is impossible till she has some measure of security in tf(e Meditei ranean.

British quarters are silent regarding this aspect, but do not conceal their expectation that next week’s discussions will be closely related to the new turn of opinion in America towards the much discussed solution of the tonnage impasse

THE SUBMARINE QUESTION

(British Official Wireless.] (Received 6, 12.30 a.m.) Rugby, March 5

The experts’ sub-committee at the Naval Conference is to-dav devoting its attention to submarines and, acting on the instructions of the last plenary session of the conference, will discuss questions relating to the possibility of their total abolition, humanising their use in warfare, the limitation ol category tonnage and the limitation of the size of submarines. The legal experts have already taken up the question of humanisation and are considering it in relation to the so-called Root Resolution passed at the Washington Conference. The experts are expected to begin by considering the question of tho size of individual craft. THE BRITISH VIEW. At the Three Power Conference at Geneva in 1927 the British delegation proposed that, failing the acceptance of total abolition there would be tonnage limits of 1600 tons for large submarines and 600 tons for smaller submarines, the maximum gun calibre to be fixed. Figures similar to these are likely to be taken as the basis of discussion although 1700 tons may be taken as the maximum figure in order to facilitate agreements, since Japan has twelve submarines built or building, each of 1650 tons.

Of submarines of all classes, America has 128, France 99. Japan 71, the British Empire 66. and Italy 57, built, building or projected.

COLONEL STIMSON’S STATEMENT.

(United Pres, Association—By CableCopyright.! (Received 6, 2.5 p.m.) London, March 5.

Colonel Stimson, in a statement, said there seemed to be an impression abroad that the work of the American delegation was likely to result in an increase, instead of decrease, in naval tonnage. Such results, as appeared within reach, provided_ the surest answe:. The plan seemingly most acceptable to the United States and Britain aimed at a net reduction of tonnage of capital ships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines of over ■ ,;0,00() tons, and even a larger reduction by the British if vessels authorised but not commenced were included. The “cuts” could be much greater, but they were contingent on other Powers making some reduction.