SUBMARINES QUESTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 3108, 29 December 1921, Page 5

SUBMARINES QUESTION.

NO HOPE OF AGREEMENT. CONFERENCE WILL SOON END. ]tv Electric Tolegraoh.—Copyright. Received December 29, 9.40 a.in. WASHINGTON, Dec. 28. The American delegates, alter a meeting to-day, made a definite statement that there was absolutely no prospect of agreement oil the submarine issue. M lie liencli would acquiesce in the capital ship ratio, but refuse to entertain anything like Mr Hughes’s figures for submarines, if correct, this presages the early wind-up of the conference. Britain will stand out for no limitation on the building of auxiliary craft, but there may be some agreement concerning the size of cruisers and about aircraft carriers, but the restriction of submarines to purely military uses will not come tip. The prospects of another conference arc still vague. —Special to Australian Press Association.

ANOTHER CONFERENCE LIKELY. TROUBLE OVER FRENCH DEMANDS. WASH [NOTON, Dec. 27. The talk of another conference has been revived owing to the possibility_ of the French demands regarding submarines rendering this one inconclusive. Presidential advices indicate that one is expected on various aspects arising out of this conference. though nothing formal has been advanced yet by White House. Administrative quarters, however, hope that the navy issue will be completely settled during the present sessions. There were some indications from the Japanese spokesman to-day that they would not adhere so firmly to their submarine demands. He was careful to explain that they were making their requests quite independently of European considerations, and were not siding with France in her demands. They were actuated solely by consideration of their own national security. A. and N.Z. cable. AGREEMENT IMPOSSIBLE. WASHINGTON, Dee. 28. It is understood that the French delegation have received cables in answer to Mr ('. K. Hughes’s compromise proposal regarding submarines, which they will present to the conference to-morrow. French circles take a grave view bf the chances of a speedy settlement, of the question. Internal politics arc alleged as a reason. The answer, though not final, is believed to be against anything like the figures suggested. While the actual terms of the reply have not been divulged, it is rumoured that they clearly indicate that the French view is that an agreement in regard to submarines is impossible at this conference, and that the matter should ho postponed till another and wider one has been called. French quarters were busy explaining io-inght that were M. Briand to accept Mr Hughes’s figures the Chamber would overthrow the Government immedialfly, making way for an even stronger Nationalist Party under M. Poincaire.— Special to Australian Press Association.