ITALY'S NAVAL NEEDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20495, 21 February 1930, Page 13

ITALY'S NAVAL NEEDS.

NOTE FOR CONFERENCE.

CAPITAL SHIP BUILDING.

AGREEABLE TO POSTPONEMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received February 20. 9 45 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 19. The Italian delegation to the Naval Conference to-day presented a statement to the other delegations. This sots forth Italy's willingness to accept as a limit for her armaments any figure, no matter how low, provided it is not exceeded by that of any other European Continental Power. Tho Italian delegation considers the existing conditions of security resulting from international acts of such wide scope as the Covenant of the League of Nations, the Locarno Treaty and the BriandKellogg Pact, justify that downward limitation which public opinion- in all countries demands. It proposes the postponement. of the building of capital ships authorised during the next six years by tho Washington Treaty, and is prepared to consider the abolition of capital ships. Also, the Italians are prepared to undertake not to excoed the tonnage figures of the strongest European Continental Power in aircraft-carriers, classes of vessels not covered by the Washington Treaty and submarines. They would examine favourably any general agreement to abolish submarines and capital ships, and to consider moro extensively tho question of limitation should the conference reach an actual reduction agreement based on. agreed ratios of strength. Signor Grandl Reviews Position. "We are hopeful of success," said Signor Grandi, in a statement on behalf of Italy. "Our documonfc is based on our faith in and hope of parity. It sets out that Italy's policy rests on two fundamental principles, namely, reduction of the onePower standard and equality with tho strongest Continental navy. "With regard to the proposed postponement of the building of capital ships this means that Italy -would postpone 105,000 tons of the 175,000 tons assigned to her under tho Washington agreement. But she is not prepared to consider the abolition of capital ships and submarines, though she is prepared t-o undertake not to exceed the total aircraft-carriers' tonnage, also the global tonnage (at present not covered by the Washington Treaty) actually possessed by the strongest Continental Power.

"Italy 'would give a similar undertaking in respect of the total tonnage of submarines. She also renews the suggestion that the principal dimensions of the hulls and main armaments of all warships be notified at least six months before the keels are laid down. Italy is willing to consider more extensive limitation." Contrast with France's Remarks. The Italian statement, of course, is intended as a reply to France, whose large demands embarrassed everyone. Franco, in brief, treated the League of Nations and Locarno treaties and the Briand-Kel-logg Pact as though they had not made the least difference. She simply tabled her unaltered naval programme, drawn up years ago. Italy, on the other hand, reiterates her willingness to limit, or to actually reduce, any and every type of ship provided that France's naval strength does not in any way exceed hers. Italy says she is even willing, by general agreement, to abolish both capital ships and submarines.

Furthermore, while France only made the statement that war against Britain and against America was unthinkable, Italy says the idea of war against any Power, whether represented or not represented at the conference, is totally foreign to Italy's established naval policy. Italy's readiness to adopt the lowest possible limits acceptable to France is contrasted with France's demand for an unexpectedly large programme. This is bound to give Italy world-wide kudos as being willing to do her utmost to make the conference a complete success by bringing about a real worth-while reduction in naval armaments. The Daily Telegraph says British and American circles are favourably impressed by the Italian memorandum, which is regarded as blending tact and firmness. The absence of any reference to a Mediterranean Pact and new security agreements is notable. Although Italy claims parity with France she plainly hints that she will not necessarily build up to the French strength in 1936, but only according to political circumstances.