UNITED STATES NAVY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 251, 20 September 1933, Page 7

UNITED STATES NAVY.

BUILDING TO CONTINUE. BRITISH PLAN DISCLAIMED. WASHINGTON, Sept. 18. Reports from abroad that Britain had suggested to the United States the abandonment of its naval construction programme drew a definite disclaimer to-night from the Secretary of State, Mr Cordel Hull, while from naval quarters came word that there was no intention of altering or holding up the 238,000,000 dollars’ building plan. Speaking of other foreign affairs, Mr Hull told newspaper men that the United States was willing to co-oper-ate in any general discussion of plans for a resumption of the World Economic Conference. THE LONDON TREATY. SUGGESTION OF QUALIFICATION. NEW YORK, Sept. 19. The Washington correspondent of the New York Herald-Tribune states: “While Mr Hull is denying London reports that, the British Government is suggesting the abandonment by the United States of the new naval building programme, there are indications that Britain would move open naval discussions for the purpose of a further qualification of the London Treaty. Conversations in which Japan might be asked to participate may be revived at Geneva on the resumption of the Disarmament Conference.” Since battleships have been banned, the correspondent expresses the opinion that British concern is directed to the four 10,000-ton cruisers included in the Navy’s emergency public works construction. He records that the unofficial Navy statement is that Britain, has been concentrating on 7000-ton cruisers and would like a curtailment of the larger categories. Further reports state that Navy men are resentful of the “propaganda” they allege is emanating from London and Tokio. insisting that they have been building toward treaty limits for several years, while America’s belated programme, when completed, will leave the Navy below treaty strength.