DISARMAMENT.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 1979, 22 November 1921, Page 5

DISARMAMENT.

JAPANESE BUILDING. QUESTION OF SUBMARINES: THE LAND FORCES. [By Electric Cable—Copyright] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Monday. 8.25 p.m.) NEW YORK, November 21. The "New York World's" Tokio correspondi'iit states that obeying the Naval Department's special request, the contractors who arc building the super-Dreadnought Tosa, which, under Senator Hughes' plan would be scrapped, nre hurrying on the work to enable the launching of the vessel to take place fifteen dnys ahead of the original date, December 19th. Japanese naval authorities are singularly reticent in discussing the submarine tonnage, which they consider necessary for defence. It is believed that they do not agree with Britain's desire to abolish submarines. REDUCTION IN FRENCH ARMY. (Special.) (Received Monday, 9.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, November 20. The Australian Press Association understands authoritatively that M. Biiand to-morrow will announce a reduction in the period *of French military service from three years to eighteen months. Also a decrease in the Continental Army from 700,000 to 300,000 this year, and 250.000 next year, plus 200,000 territorial troops. He will ask for a resolution by the Conference, approving of France's action in the cause of European peace. This last action is intended for home consumption,M. Brland realising that he cannot take back, as he had hoped, a treaty between Britain, the United States, and France. This became known to-night, after M. Briand had had a long conference With Messrs. Hughes and Balfour. If time permits, M. SchanzGr will maintain that the Italian Army of 200,000 is necessary for her defence. Belgium is supporting France.