NAVAL PROBLEMS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 63, 10 February 1930, Page 2

NAVAL PROBLEMS

SUBMARINE QUESTION. MATTER FOR PLENARY , SESSION. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph'—Copyright.l (British Official Wirele^e.) Received February 8. 12.5 p.m. RUGBY, Feb. 7. At a late hour last nierht, the American delegation to the Naval Conference issued a document containing a list of proposals. Tlie'C had been communicated to the other delegations a short whiie previously, and so far as the British delegation is concerned are now receiving a careful and detailed examination. A further important document is being issued this noon by the British delegation, which outlines the scheme of naval limitation upon which they have been working in the course of negotiations. When the plenary session is held on Tuesday to discuss in nublic the question of submarines, Mr A. V. . Aiexander, First Lord of the Admiralty, while again stating Britain s willingness to abolish underwater craft, will recognise that the attitude of the other Powers makes this a practical impossibility and will set forth Proposals regarding the limitation of tonnage, and will suggest that he functions and obligations oiF the sub marine in war time should be subject to an agreement by the Powers. BRITISH GOVERNMENT fe POLICY. The policy of tho British Government at the Naval Conference is set forth in an important memorandum, which is being laid in the House of Commons. A summary was issued this afternbon. In it the belief . expressed that the conference ought not onlv to reduce the existing fleets and bui'ding programmes, but also to end naval competition, thus making an important step toward the firm establishment of peace. . . , , The British policy, it is pointed out, is to keep the seas open for trade and communication. In estimating its naval needs the British Government has also to take into account its obligations under the League Covenant and other commitments, which have to be fulfilled. Tho Government feels that if naval establishments are not to be a menace, equilibrium must be maintained by means of international agreements. It feels, moreover, that this equilibrium will not be secured by mere numerical equality in ships and tonnage, but only by the adoption ot agreed programmes based on the considerations of requirements, etc., in which the menace will be reduced as much as possible. This cannot be done by any general formula or ratio. It must be tho subject of conferences, and of agreements made for periods, and at the end of which they should be reviewed and during which the Governments should be engaged in strengthening the foundations •of peace. , ~ , It is therefore proposed that a general agreement resulting fro l ?} this conference should run until 1936. and that in 1935 a further conference should be called to review the situation in relation to

world conditions. The British memorandum and the American proposals will be studied by the delegations during the week-end. Mr Ramsay MacDonald, who had a conversation with Mr Stimson this morning, is going to Chequers, where to-morrow he will entertain, the members of the Italian delegation to luncheon. The naval experts attending the conference will visit Chequers during the afternoon. No official meetings have been arranged before Monday, when the First Committee will resume consideration of the alternative methods of ascertaining naval tonnage.