NAVAL ARMAMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17144, 28 December 1929, Page 5

NAVAL ARMAMENTS

EFFORTS AT REDUCTION THE FRENCH MEMORANDUM (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received Dec. 28, 10 n.m.) PARIS, Dec. 26. The text of the French Government’s memorandum has been communicated to the five powers. After reference to the importance of sea communications to both Great Britain and France, it asks: “Is it possible for the Mediterranean powers to arrive at and cement mutual guarantees of non-aggression, in which other powers not represented at the naval conference, notably Spain, would be represented?” LONDON, Dec. 27. Dealing with the general issue the memorandum indicates a preference for a limitation of total tonnage, but declares France's readiness to adhere to a compromise for the regulation and distribution of tonnage among different classes of ships. France’s policy is declared to be inter-dcpcml-encc in armaments. She hopes not to be obliged to deal with questions relating to land and air armaments, but cannot help pointing out that, the tonnage adequate for naval requirements stands in close relation to the general level of armaments.

It adds that difficulties will not prevent France from seeking a solution which will enable the Powers to enter into a mutual agreement without waiting for the conclusion of an agreement for the limitation of all armaments. The memorandum contends that a reduction of armaments should he based on Article 8 of the League of Nations covenant. CONFERENCE PREPARATIONS EFFORT AT UNANIMITY (Received Dec. 28, noon.) LONDON, Dec. 27. The chief business of Mr. Ramsay 'MacDonald’s preliminary meeting of naval delegates on January 20 will be the choice of a chairman, who is most likely to be a Britisher. It is revealed that among America’s minute preparations for the conference was an inquiry as to whether Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, as naval Dominions, have separate votes, or whether the British Commonwealth will vote as a single unit. The British reply made it clear that the conference is not. regarded as one at which matters will he decided by vote, but that it will be one of negotiation in the hope of registering unanimous agreements. This official intimation, coupled with a knowledge of the Franco-Italian disagreements, strengthens the impression in London that; the most likely result of the conference is an Anglo-Ameri-can agreement, something on the lines of Mr. MacDonald’s discussion with President Hoover.