DISARAMAMENT DISCUSSIONS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 March 1927, Page 7

DISARAMAMENT DISCUSSIONS.

ANOTHER APPEAL FOR REPRESENTATION

(Received Wednesday, 9.40 p.m.)

WASHINGTON, March 1G

The State Department han published the text of the memorandum delivered to the Italian and French Foreign Ministers, answering their replies on the disarmament proposal.

■ The Department says regarding the fear expressed by tho French Government that such negotiations risk compromising the success of the work of thn preparatory commission at Geneva, the United States expresses the opinion that all appropriatao measures taken by the iarge naval powera cannot ,bi<i contribute towards facilitating the work of the commission.

The Department also expresses the opinion that far from undermining authority of the League such conversation:) would be of great servico to that- body in advance towards the solution of difficult problems. The Governments of Britain and Japan have now acceded to the proposal of the United States which ha« therefore decided to enter into conversations with these Powera. The United States hopes both Ttaly and France will be represented in ordeV that they may be cognisant with any agreements. ... . The Tnemwrandum points out that the TT-riifwi 'Stattts Irtw no preconceived ideas regarding a definite ratio of limitation of French and Italian ton-nage.-and says: "We do not tp oDen -op -tff«*ay iwfctfca Dy

treaty, but wish to point out that other questions relative to the limitno tlon of naval armaments are open. The memorandum add:; that in til" projected negotiations each Power would have the privilege ot taking any position it thinks fit for its protection as a basis for negotiations. Referring to Italy's refusal on the ground of her geographical position, the opinion is expressed that an agreement for the partial limitation Oi' armaments could expose no Power to danger from powers not. included In such understandings since no agreement Is contemplated which would not he subject to reconsideration and revision. Better Treated as Whole FKAIVOi; HOES NOT APPROVE "OBsrcnvtaß." (Received Wednesday. 8.1.5 p.m.) PARTS. March .16. At a meeting of the French Cabinet there was a long d'scussion concerning a reply •to President CoolidgeV latest. Note, but decision was postponed till next Cabinet meeting. It is believed that. Cabinet is not inclined to «ndors<« the original idea of sending an "observer." Opinion is hardening that Hi" sublet of disarmament should be treated ar; a whole. it is pointed ont that Hie T,eagn- of Nations' programme provides for this, whereas President Cnnrde-e's proposal io.es not. while a mere "observer" at i Washington Conference be an obvious disadvantage in defending '•Vance's naval viewpoint.