NAVAL CONFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 26 March 1930, Page 5

NAVAL CONFERENCE

SIX MONTHS' ADJOURNMENT

PROPOSAL BY ITALY SUGGESTION UNDER CONSIDERATION

(United Press Association—By Electrii Tclocraph—CoDyrieht)

(Received' 26th March, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, 25th March.

Signor Grandi, during a meeting with Mr MacDonald, suggested that the conference should adjourn for six months. In tlie meantime Italy would try to roach an amicable agreement, and each power should undertake for the time being not to start building any ships. The "Daily Herald" says that Mr MacDonald is considering the proposal. (Received 26th March. 10 a.m.) LONDON, 25th March. The British spokesman confirmed the report of the Italian proposal to adjourn the conference for six months to enable the French and Italians to attempt to compose their difficulties. Meanwhile the thiee-powcr pact should be considered. The spokesman gave an assurance that the proposal was momentarily put aside because the experts were continuing the endeavour to find a solution on the five-power basis. He admitted that the Italian suggestion was worth while in certain circumstances.

Mr Stimson conferred with Mr MacDonald this morning. Heads of delegations will meet this afternoon to examine the general 'situation in the light of the experts' discussions. It is assumed that M. Dumesnil will represent France.

(Received 26th March, 2 p.m.) LONDON, 25th March. _ Though the adjournment proposal is condemned completely, both in the Quai d'Orsay and in the Paris press, the view being that a Franco-Italian agreement is as unlikely six months hence as now, the American delegation tio-night insisted that more progress was being made in the direction, of a five-power agreement than appeared outwardly. M. Briand has definitely decided to return to London to-morrow, and this is construed as an olive branch towards Britain.