THE AMERICAN NAVY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22063, 20 September 1933, Page 8

THE AMERICAN NAVY

CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME NO ALTERATION OR HOLDING UP (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, September 18. (Received Sept. 19, at 10 p.m.) Reports from abroad that Britain had suggested to the United States the abandonment of its naval construction programme drew a definite disclaimer tonight from the Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull), while from naval quarters came word that there is no intention of altering or holding up the 238,000,000 dollar building plan. Speaking of other foreign affairs Mr Hull told newspapermen that the United States was willing to co-operate in any general discussion of plans for resumption of the World Economic Conference. The Washington correspondent of the Herald-Tribune states: “ While Mr Hull is denying the London reports that the British Government is suggesting the abandonment by the United States of its new naval building programme there are indications that Britain would move to open naval discussions for the purpose of further qualification of the London Treaty.” Since battleships are banned, the correspondent expresses the opinion that British concern is directed at the four 10,000-ton cruisers included in the navy’s emergency public works construction records. An unofficial navy statement is that Britain has been concentrating on 7000-ton cruisers, and would like curtailment of the larger categories. Further reports state that navy men are resentful of “propaganda.” They allege that this is emanating from London and Tokio, insisting that they have been building toward the treaty limits for several years, while America's belated programme, when completed, will leave the navy below treaty strength.