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Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1930, Page 4

Despite the continuance of the alarms and excursions evidently enjoyed by the Anglo-European press, the Naval Conference holds on its way. This tenacity of purpose suggests that somethang tangible will) result from the deliberations. There is not any suggestion of any open breach. Where there are differences of opinion, the parties appear to lie composing themselves to consider any practical alternative which may reach the same end by a different routs. The British representatives are giving tangible proof of a desire for a successful issue. It is noticeable that the political opponents of the Government are not traversing seriously the policy of the Labour Ministry in this matter. Mr MacDonald and his coleagues appear to be given a free hand largely so that the subject is lifted outside the pale of political parties at Home. This is as it should he with this great national issue. I There has been a newspaper attempt to rise dissension among the Dominion representatives regarding the number of cruisers to he retained by Great Britain for Empire defence. Mr Alexander, the First Lord of the British Admiralty, has indicated that the estimates of Britain’s requirements in this respect has been the subject of consideration and decision by the naval authorities competent to deal with the matter. That being so the Dominions will be prepared to accept aijd respect the decision. The United States appears to he makipg a bid for more than parity with the British Navy. If there is confidence between the two nations there need lie no objection to that. The two countries are not likely to attack one another, and if Britain has a navy big enough for her own requirements. the position respecting the ambition of the States can be accepted. There are various side issues outside the differences regarding capital ships and cruisers. The chief of these relates to submarines, and it may take some adjustment to satisfy French desires in this respect. Apparently France and Italy are to he left largely to compose their own differences, and the trend of the negotiations to that end is rather encouraging. The only adverse circumstances are the disposition of the newspapers to inflame nnblio opinion on political issues and the pronenoss of the politicians to act so me what .similar! v.