NAVAL TREATY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 157, 19 June 1935, Page 7

NAVAL TREATY

RATIO FOR GERMANY 35 PER CENT. TONNAGE Britain Signs an Agreement SUBMARINE STRENGTHS (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received 19,12.30 y.in.) LONDON, June 18. The Anglo-German naval talks have resulted in an agreement under which the German fleet is not to exceed 35 per cent, of the British effective tonnage. Technical questions are being considered during the next few days. Consultations between the British and French Governments are continuing. The Italian Note reserves opinion, but Italy is willing to enter the discussions.

Immediately the agreement was initialled, British Government quarters stated that the agreement will stand regardless of other Powers’ attitudes. The Government declares that the agreement is highly satisfactory to the

Empire. The German Government is in principle prepared to apply the 35 per cent, ratio to tonnage in each category of vessel to be maintained. Any variation

of ratio in a particular category or categories will be dependent on arrangements to this end arrived at in any future general treaty, such arrangements to be based on the principle that any increase in one category would be compensated for by a corresponding reduction in others. If no general treaty is concluded, or if a future general treaty does not contain provision creating limitation by categories, any degree in which the Gorhiau Government would have the right to vary the ratio in one or more categories would be a matter for settlement by agreement between the Governments in the light of the naval situation then existing.

Regarding submarines, Germany, while not exceeding the ratio of 35 to 100 in respect of total tonnage, shall have the right to possess submarine tonnage equal to the total submarine tonnage possessed by members of the British ComStonwealth of Nations. The German Government will undertake, that her submarine tonnage shall not exceed 45 per cent., except in the event of a situation arising which, in their opinion, makes it necessary for her to avail herself of the right to the percentage exceeding 45, in which case the German Government reserves the right to give notice to His Majesty’s Government and agrees that the matter shall be subject to friendly discussion before the German Government exercises that right. “The Times’ ” Berlin correspondent ays; There is general satisfaction at the Anglo-German agreement as a direct understanding at a time of national confusion. It is hoped that the psychological effect will be even more important than the material content as a starting-point for an extension of settlements, including an air convention.