ARMS LIMITATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 112, 8 April 1927, Page 7

ARMS LIMITATION.

PREPARATORY COMMISSION. LIVELY PASSAGES AT GENEVA. MEMBER FEELS SLIGHTED. GENEVA, April 7. Lively passages followed the resumption of the proceedings at the preparatory commission disarmament. Signor de Marnis, apparently feeling slighted by private discussions between M. Paul Boncour and Viscount Cecil relating to naval disarmament, said that it would be a mistake to imagine that once an agreement had been reached by them the remainder of the commission would be prepared to accept that agreement. On the contrary, delegate? probably would refer the matter to their Governments.

* Viscount Cecil intervened hastily to assure Signor de Marnis that there was no intention of forcing upon tho commisison any agreement reached privately. „ Signor de Marnis not seeming satisfied, M. Boncour rose up and protested that no private negotiations were in progress. He had simply submitted to Viscount Cecil in writing a formula based on yesterday’s discussion.

Viscount Cecil, who had previously told the press that he was negotiating with M. Boncour, remained silent. Signor de Marnis continued to argue the point, and the commission adjourned after two hours’ disputation. Later, Germany submitted a formal proposal demanding the limitation of military material, including rifles, machine guns of all classes, howitzers, mortars and other artillery, tanks and armoured cars, as well as ammunition. The commission considered proposals to limit armature expenditure. Mr Gibson (United States) opposed this on the grounds that it was impracticable and inequitable. He argued in favour of the direct limitation of armaments, and declared that budgetary figures were an insufficient criterion of limitation or otherwise of armaments. Count Bernstorff also opposed budget limitation. The discussion was adjourned.