NAVAL DELEGATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20964, 1 March 1930, Page 13

NAVAL DELEGATIONS

WAITING FOR FRANCE. ‘ DISCUSSIONS CONTINUED. STILL HOPEFUL OF AGREEMENT. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, February 27. The British spokesmen again denied any decisions in respect to a three-Power Pact. The delegations are still so confident of_ a fiye-Power agreement that they are still discussing various topics on that basis. Whatever is being done is tentative, and any matter is instantly communicated to France, pending her delegation’s return. STATEMENT BY MR MACDONALD. THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY. LONDON, February 27. In the House of Commons Mr Ramsay MacDonald said it was still the Government’s policy to seek an international agreement for the large possible amount of scrapping battleship tonnage, but it could not go a pound weight beyond what the others were willing to do. BRITAIN AND AMERICA. INTERPRETATION OF PARITY. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 27. .A communique issued last night, after the meeting of the heads of the delegation to the Naval Conference with the French Ambassador, stated that, pending the arrival of the French delegation, private, conversations are being continued. These conversations will necessarily he restricted in their scope. They will, however, give an opportunity for the British, American, and Japanese delegations to discuss their own particular problems, such, for example, as the Japanese claim to an increased cruiser. ratio.. Efforts will be made also to reconcile the programmes of requirements already put forward by the three Powers in order to expedite the filling in of tables of naval tonnage under the various categories. There will be discussions also between America and Great Britain on any points that may still remain outstanding in the interpretation of parity. A VITAL PROBLEM. . \ JAPANESE CRUISER RATIO. i LONDON, February 27. ’(Received Feb. 28, at .8 p.m.) Conference activities to-day were confined to a number of private conversations between the English, American, and Japanese delegates. It is understood that, the discussions concerned the vital problem of the Japanese cruiser ratio. Tonight an agreement was virtually reached giving them a little over 60 per cent, of the strength of the United States, compared with their former, demand for 70 per cent. Confirmation of this report, however, is unobtainable. WIVES OF DELEGATES. ' GUESTS OF THE QUEEN. ; RUGBY, February 27. The wives of the delegates attending the Naval Conference were entertained at tea by the Queen at Buckingham Palace, this afternoon. Her Majesty, with whom was Princess Mary, accorded . the guests a very homely welcome in a suite of the State apartments. Among the guests were Miss Ishbel MacDonald, daughter of the Prime Minister.? Mrs T. M. Wilford was present at the function, which was held in the magnificent gold and crimson throne room. DAY OF INTERCESSION. METHODIST CHURCH TO COOPERATE. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 28. The aims of the Disarmament Conference were commended to the sympathetic and prayerful consideration of New Zealand Methodists at the annua! conference, which concluded in Wellington today. A resolution was adopted directing the attention of the churches to the day of intercession for peace which is to be observed in Westminster Abbey on Sunday, and urging the Methodist churches throughout the Dominion to cooperate in the observance of the day and to pray for peace.