NAVAL DISARMAMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20701, 26 April 1929, Page 11

NAVAL DISARMAMENT

MR GIBSON’S STATEMENT. CONSIDERATION BY CABINET. (British Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.) RUGBY, April 23. It is understood that Cabinet will give prompt consideration to the statement regarding naval reductions made yesterday by Mr H, Gibson, United States delegate to the Preparatory Commission on Disarmament at Geneva.' .In Loudon thv; highest importance is attached to it, and satisfaction is shown in official circles at the unanimous welcome extended by the British Press to-day to Mr Gibson’s speech and Lord Cusliendun’s ready response. It is understood that the British authorities have no preconceived views as to the procedure to be followed, and it is thought likely that ideas on this aspect of the question, may be 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 the British Governments, have generated a spirit of goodwill and accommodation from which practical results are confidently hoped. PRELIMINARY EXPLORATIONS RECOMMENDED. LONDON, April 24. (Received April 25, at 7 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph states that Cabinet has considered Mr Gibson’s proposal and has sent instructions to Lord Cushendun recommending preliminary explorations of the problem, but a naval conference will not be held prior to the general election. —United Service. AMERICAN OFFIALS PLEASED. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT EXPECTED. WASHINGTON, April 24. (Received April 25, at 5.5 p.m.) Government officials are greatly pleased over the cordial reception given by Europe to Mr Gibson’s proposal. They feel that the American suggestions will result in some concrete understanding leading to a practical international agreement for cultailing fighting fleets, although a separate naval conference is not contemplated for the time being. Mr F. A. a member of the Interparliamentary Union, was one who expressed dissatisfaction at Mr Gibson’s speech. He declared that it was a “ complete surrender of the basic principles of the agreement proposed by the American delegates to the last Genova conference,” and “ another naval victory for British diplomacy.”—Australian Press Association. BACTERIOLOGICAL WARFARE. DRAFT AGREEMENT ADOPTED. GENEVA, April 23. The Disarmament Preparatory Commission adopted a draft agreement absolutely prohibiting bacteriological warfare, also prohibiting chemical warfare under reciprocal conditions.—Australian Press Association —United Service, VIEWS OF JAPAN. WILL SUPPORT ANY RATIONAL PLAN. TOKIO, April 24/ (Received April 25, at 7 p.m.) Commenting on Mr Gibson’s Geneva statement,, Tokio officials reiterate that Japan will support any rational plan of the reduction of navies. They are full of praise for President Hoover’s peaceable aspirations, but are somewhat doubtful of the extent of America’s willingness to concede her previous standpoint as evidence by Mr Britten’s reported criticism of Mr Gibson.—Australian Press. Association. A PROPOSAL REJECTED. PROHIBITION OF AERIAL BOMBING. GENEVA, April 24. (Received April 25, at 7 p.m.) The commission has rejected a German proposal to prohibit aerial bombing in war time. The minority consisted of Germany, Russia, China, Holland, and Sweden.—Australian Presa Association.