NAVAL DISARMAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 11

NAVAL DISARMAMENT.

CONFERENCE IN LONDON

INVITATION TO POWERS.

FRANCE HAS MISGIVINGS.

FEAIfS FOR lIER SECURITY.

ITALY AS A FACTOR.

Australian and N.Z, Press Association. (Received September 18, 8.45 p.m.) Times Cable. LONDON. Sept. 18. Tho Governments of Britain and tho United States have invited the Governments of France, Italy and Japan to send representatives to tako part in a five-Powers naval disarmament conference in London in the third week in January. The accompanying Note says tho British and American Governments will submit their preliminary proposals to tho full conference. Also it emphasises the fact that no favourable result can be obtained without the full and sympathetic cooperation of France, Italy and Japan, especially on the question of limiting tho tonnage of destroyers and submarines. According to reports from Paris tho prospect of the new naval conference is viewed with misgivings by those who are responsible for tho naval policy of France. It is clear that they would profer to remain aloof, especially as it involves tho delicate question of relations with Italy. There is an ever-present apprehension in Franco that any Anglo-American agreement, with Japan proportionately acquiescent, will be at tho expense of French security and force the French Navy into a position something approaching parity with Italy, whose problems of defence arc totally different. The French scheme of defence is based on the geographical position of tho country. This involves sea connections both with the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, also strategical problems including, besides coastal defence, the protection of sea communications between Marseilles and Algiers and between Brest and Dakar.

It is argued that if France is placed on an equality with Italy it will mean that she will only have sufficient light 'sea forces available for the defence of one or other of those routes, not of both. This implies a weakening of France's position in the Mediterranean and a corresponding increase in Italy's influence.

Another message from Paris says press comment on the Anglo-American agreement is to the effect that there is no objection to those two Powers making arrangements between themselves, but France will not give up her submarine fleet. Nor will she consent to any form of parity which will result in French inferiority in the Mediterranean.