NAVAL DISARMAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20239, 26 April 1929, Page 13

NAVAL DISARMAMENT.

MR. GIBSON'S PROPOSALS.

SATISFACTION IN LONDON.

DECISION OF CABINET.

PRELIMINARY INQUIRY.

Australian and N.Z. Press Association. (Received April 25. 5.25 p.m.) LONDON, April 24

The Daily Telegraph states that the Cabinet lias considered 'Mr. Hugh Gibson's proposal regarding naval disarmament, and has sent instructions to Lord Ciishendun at Geneva recommending preliminary explorations of the problem but a naval conferences will not ho held prior to the general election. A British official wireless message says that in London the highest importance is attached to the statement, and satisfaction is shown in official circles at the unanimous welcome extended by the British press today to Mr. Gibson's speech and Lord Cushendun's ready response. It is understood that the British authorities have no preconceived views as to the procedures to be followed. It is thought likely that ideas on this aspect of the question may bo evolved in the course of conversations at Geneva.

It is clear that the speeches of Mr. Gibson and Lord Cushendun, as representatives of the United States and British Governments, have generated a spirit of "■oodwill and accommodation, from which practical results are confidently hoped for.

OPINION IN AMERICA. OFFICIAL CIRCLES PLEASED. MR. BRITTEN DISSATISFIED. Australian and N.Z. .Press Association. (Received April 25. 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON. April 24. Government officials are greatly pleased at tho cordial reception given in Europe to Mr. Hugh Gibson's proposals regarding naval arras reduction. They feel that tho American suggestions will result in some concrete understanding which will lead to a practical international agreement for curtailing fighting fleets, although a separate naval conferonce is not contemplated for the time being. Mr. F. A. Britten, who is chairman of the Naval Committee of the House of Representatives, is one of the few persons who have expressed dissatisfaction with Mr. Gibson's speech. He declared it to be "a complete surrender of the basic principles of the agreement proposed by the American delegates to the last Geneva Conference" and "another naval victory for British diplomacy."

FEELING IN JAPAN.

PROPOSALS SUPPORTED.

DOUBTS REGARDING AMERICA.

Australian and N.Z. Press Association. (Received April 25. 5.25 p.m.) TOIvIO, April 24

Commenting on Mr. Hugh Gibson's naval disarmament proposals, officials at Tokio reiterate that Japan will support any rational plan for the reduction of navies.

They praise the peaceable aspirations of the President, ZSlr. Hoover, but are somewhat doubtful of the extent of America's willingness to concede her previous standpoint, in view of Mr. F. A. Britten's reported criticism of Mr. Gibson's speech.