DISARMAMENT AGREEMENT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, 19 November 1921, Page 5

DISARMAMENT AGREEMENT.

RAPID PROGRESS. FAR EASTERN COMPLEXITIES. MI CAJLB-PSEBS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT WASHINGTON, Nov. 17. Fairly rapid progress seems likely towards a final agreement on disarmament, which will be signed and disposed of. With reference to a settlement of the Far Eastern complexities, it has bee.n made clear semi-ofScially from , all three delegations that it is c'oviously difficult to lay down regarding the Far East such hard and fast rules as,. ■was possible on the concrete questions of the limitation of navies,, The indications are that there will bo a general gentlemen's agreement, rather than straight-out diplomatic arrangements. i^^Judgiog from the semi-official prothe question of submarine tonnage and the character of vessels is still affording a fruitful subject for discussion. In the Disarmament Committee opinions are divided as- to whether the United States shall consent to a reduction of the total tonnage, though she may agree that submarines should be confined strictly to military purposes, which means that individual vessels will not need to be too large. It is known that a large !>ody of Senators, headed by Senator Borah, are supporting the British suggestion for the total elimination of submarines as a naval weapon. j Britain's view was further elucidated this morning by a declaration By a high authority that Britain was seek- ♦ ing a genuine reduction of the navy, and not a cheaper one, which would 1)6 possible if submarines were substituted for battleships. The object is to stop war, not to change t"he method of waging it. The sub-committee which was appointed to consider the procedure for the full committee's discussion on Pacific and Far Eastern questions recommends that the delegates of the full committee be first given an opportunity for, a general discussion of ques- . lions relating to China. Then there should be a discussion of the various particular topics in the order listed on the American Government's tentative agenda, with consideraHon of the Chinese delegation's proposals . under the topic to" which each proposal relates. ' . Official—Admiral Kato (Japan), beS. cause of the geographical position of Japan, deems it only fair that at the present time" other interested countries should agree that jshe should maintain at proportion of general tonnage slightly greater than the 6(3 per cent, proposed in Mr C. E. Hughes' plan, and in a type of vessel strictly of a defen-' sive character,"which does not include capital ships or submarines. Replying to questions during a Press interview Admiral Kato . said Tie "hoped that the conference would take up the question of the entire elimination of the •■- submarine. Japan Taceepts 'the Chinese proposals as a Tbasis of discussion, hut had not yet studied them in detail. LTJNDOT?, Uov. 17. Mr Bonar Law, speaking in Ilondon, said the Washington Conference was a flash of sunligli't. Tt-was the duty of | aH nations to welcome it as the pos- j sibflity of a new outlook on the whole j history of the-woria. I ■..■■■■ ■ s