Tonnage Puzzle to be Tackled Next

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7142, 13 February 1930, Page 7

Tonnage Puzzle to be Tackled Next

Received Wednesday, 7.5 p.m. LONDON ,Feb. 12. With the submarine issue temporarily put in tho background tho Naval Conference next tackles the tonnage puzzle on which British opinion suggests the virtual bridging of tho conflicting French, English and American thesis. The British spokesman last evening allowed it to bo known that there is just the possibility of another plenary session at tho end of tho week to deal with Global category question on which tho committee of experts is reporting to-day. If held it will bo with tho object of announcing a substantial agreement upon tho compromise between the rival thesis. On tho other hand tho Japanese spokesman foreshadowed an early Japanese statement reiterating a rigid adherence to 78,000 tons for submarines and a 70 per cent ratio of cruisers with England and America. He naively remarked that the question of the submarines’ radius of action

would not enter ihto tlio question because Japan in war time was asked to convoy skips from Australia and had also escorted troopships to the Mediterranean. All this rigidity may soften when the bargaining bogins on categories. Perhaps too America's claim to have a monster battleship may bo modified in the same way especially since it is generally greeted even among Americans as very costly and tactless, and a negation of the very spirit of disarmament. The suggestion has not alarmed British Government circles where it was seemingly received with an air of quiet resignation, but hints are given that the Admiralty can muster strong arguments on the futility of beginning a big ship competition anew. Prance's Tonnage Needs. M.M. Tardiu and Briand last night explained to Mr. Ramsay MacDonald and Mr. A. V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty) the requirements of the French navy in the matter of Global tonnage. It is understood France is ready to pledge herself not to exceed 724,000 tons. It is recalled that the Anglo-American figure is 2,200,000 tons.