ITALIAN REPLY ON DISARMAMENT

Manawatu Times, Volume LII, Issue 3540, 23 February 1927, Page 7

ITALIAN REPLY ON DISARMAMENT

Not Possible to Accept Proposals GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION UNFAVOURABLE [By Electric Cable —Copyright.] f Aust. apd N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Tuesday, 7.40 pim.) ROME, Feb. 22. The Italian reply fully appreciates the spirit guiding President Coolldge in his disarmament proposals, but insists upon the undeniable interdepend, ence of every kind of armament and every single Power. It ia not possible therefore to adopt partial measures limited to the live great naval Powers. Limitation of armaments in order to be qfficacious must be universal. The reply points out that minor naval Powers had not followed the Washington exaihple, and also'that the Conference at Rome in 1924 with the object of extension of the Washington principles to non-signa-tory Powers had proved unsuccessful.

It draws attention’ to Italy’s unfavourable geographical situation, especially in the Mediterranean, in which other nations have a weightier position, and emphasises she could not expose herself without grave risks to limitation of naval armaments, which are already insufficient for her defensive needs. JAPAN’S REPLY APPROVED. AMERICA SHOULD SET EXAMPLE. i TOKIO, Feb. 21. Only two newspapers comment on Japan’s reply to America on .the disarmament question, and both express satisfaction. , “Chugai” suggests, however, that as America, owing to her naturally strong position, has absolutely nothing to fear from aiiy other Powers, she ought to set an example by reducing her armaments to the lowest, possible minimum. “jijl Shimpo’ states that the reply is approved unanimously by all parties. ' , _ , : CABINET CONSULTING DOMINIONS. BEFORE REPLYING TO AMERICA. (Received Tuesday, 10.36 Xfctn.) ■ LONDON, Feb. 21. In, the House of Commons, Mr. Baldwin, in answer to a question, said the Government was consulting the Dominions with reference to the American disarmament proposals. As soon as their opinion 'was received, a reply would be sent to America and a statement would be made to Parliament.