NAVAL CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20474, 28 January 1930, Page 11

NAVAL CONFERENCE.

ATTITUDE OF GERMANY.

DISARMED UNDER TREATY.

OTHER NATIONS' OBLIGATIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Received January 27, 10.25 p.m.)

LONDON. Jan. 27

The Berlin correspondent of the Manchester Guardian reports an interview with Herr Groener, Minister f:r Defence, in which he outlined the German Government's attitude toward the Five Powers Naval Conference, to which it did not anticipate receiving an invitation.

Herr Groener said Germany warmly sympathised with the attempts to bring about naval disarmament. Germany already had disarmed in accordance with the Versailles Treaty and she expected the other members of the League of Nations similarly to carry out their obligations under the CovenantGermany regarded the abolition of the submarine as a logical consequence of the treaty. She welcomed America's efforts to secure the freedom of the seas.

RUMOURS DEPRECATED.

DELEGATES' CONVERSATIONS

PRELIMINARY ORGANISATION.

LONDON, Jan. 26

St. James' Palace, wherei the Five Powers Naval Conference is being held, has already become as fruitful: in alarums as Geneva. Excursions have been made into the realm of guess-work to such' an extent that a British spokesman has enjoined journalists to " keep off thej.e rumours."

This has special reference to a usually sober London journal's assertion that France was about to challenge the whole ratio basis and seek to increase her tonnage; also flatly to reject any parity with Italy.

The last-named point contained only a germ of truth said the spokesman. For the rest he gave an assurance that there is no reason to suggest that France or any other Power is not playing a straight game and honestly attempting to get something done.

Equally emphatic was the spokesman in discrediting a story that there is discontent among the British Empire delegates.

A British official wireless message says the delegates have not been idle at the week-end. They have been able to give consideration in comparative leisure to the conversations and informal exchanges they have had among themselves in the past few days and to adjust, their views accordingly. Much importance is attached by all the delegates to the work of organising the sequence of problems with which the conference has to deaL

It is generally felt that the time devoted to evolving a sound agenda has not been wasted, as it may well save much labour later on. • . •

The Prime Minister, Mr. Mac Donald, to-day entertained the delegates from the Dominions at Chequers. Ho was visited this afternoon by Mr. H. L. -Sthpson (United States). Some of the metabers of other delegations also 'communicated with him. The heads of the delegations are to meet at No. 10, Downing Street on Monday.