NAVAL LIMITATION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17081, 14 October 1929, Page 7

NAVAL LIMITATION

WEST INDIES BASES WILL THEY BE SCRAPPED? / (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) WASHINGTON, October 12. When Mr. MacDonald goes to Ottawa the Canadian Prime Minister will prob j ably be asked by him whether the-Cana-dian Government will consider the reduction of the fortifications of Halifax, and the removal of effective batteries. More important than the Halifax fortifications, in the view of the. American public, are the British naval bases at Bermuda and the West Indies.- Their proximity ,to the Panama Canal has been stressed by the United States press, and it would be a notable gesture if the islands were demilitarised completely.

ITALY JOINS CONFERENCE PARITY WITH FRANCE (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) LONDON, October 13. Italy has' unqualifiedly accepted the invitation to the five power naval conference. According to informed circles, Italy has made known to the United States her intention to insist at the London naval conference upon absolute parity with France in all categories of auxiliary ships. It is.understood that similar information has been, transmitted to the Britsh Government. / THE LONDON CONFERENCE WILL HOOVER ATTEND? (Australian Press Assrvr-rUnited Service.) It is learned at.\VvTMe 'HousTe to-day that President Hdoiver''ooeS-'not intend to visit Europe durirte of office, following his reportert intention of a re T turn visit to Mr. MacDonald, and there is speculation whether he will attend the London naval conference. He may possibly visit Mexico and Cuba,