NAVAL CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20520, 22 March 1930, Page 11

NAVAL CONFERENCE.

FRANCO-ITALIAN DEADLOCK.

EFFORTS AT ARRANGEMENT.

British Wireless. RUGBY, March CO.. Hopes are still entertained that the week-end will ease the situation at the Naval Conference.

It is generally agreed that (he present state of affairs cannot be prolonged indefinitely, and that if the conference is to show further results-there must be development during the week-end. With the departure of M. Briand, French Foreign Minister, for Paris this morning the likelihood of any important development Is generally not expected before the week-end. The Premier, M. Tardieu, and M. Briand are expected to return to London in a few days, the former probably on Saturday. The whole of the present restricted activities in the Disarmament Conference are still being directed to induce France and Italy to reach an agreement by the promotion of negotiations between themselves. This is the chief preoccupation of the Prime Minister, Mr. Mac Donald, who will confer with Signor Grandi (Italy) with- that object in tho House of Commons this evening, following last night's conversations with M. Briand. The scrapping committee perseveres in its sittings. VIEW OF EARL BEATTY. STANDPOINT OF BRITAIN. ADMIRAL IN THE DARK. (Received March 21, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. March 20. "We are told it behoves us to be reticent, and let ns be reticent. But at the same time let 11s know where we are," said Earl Beatty, at a dinner of the Victoria Club, referring to the Naval Conference.

" We know where America, Italy and France stand. -We do nrtt know where we stand," he added.

Discussing the Empire free trade crusade, Earl Beatty said he thought that unless the Empire maintained her sea power the Dominions would not come in. " That is a question above politics,"' he said. "The Navy is like a policeman in the civil life of the State."