BIG FIVE TO CONFER IN LONDON SHORTLY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6947, 28 June 1929, Page 7

BIG FIVE TO CONFER IN LONDON SHORTLY

Fate of Navies

SHALL CIVILIANS OR EXPERTS OPEN BALL?

PRELIMINARIES WELL FORWARD.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Thursday, 7.15 p.m. NEW YORK, June 26.

The New York Times’ Washington correspondent states that all indications arc that a conference of the iivo big naval powers will tie arranged for shortly in London. It is understood diplomatic representatives of the French, Italian and Japanese Governments are participating in the present discussions with Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, General Dawes ad Mr. Hugh Gibson. It is understood the questions being considered arc: Shall there first bo a meeting of civilian negotiators to determine the scope and character of the conference, or shall the naval experts meet first to discuss the so-called naval “yardstick” and shall the scope of the conference be limited to cruisers, or all classes of combatant vessels ? It is believed Mr. MacDonald’s visit to the United States may be expedited by the speed with which present discussions in London are proceeding. The expectation is that the new naval conference may be called within three to seven months.