NAVAL REDUCTION

Southland Times, Issue 20792, 5 June 1929, Page 5

NAVAL REDUCTION

AGITATION IN AMERICA. CO-OPERATION WITH BRITAIN. (Rec. 9.40 p.m.) Washington, June 3. As London despatches indicate that British expectations are that Mr Ramsay Macdonald would initiate naval reduction proceedings if he is made Prime Minister, there is a growing conviction here that the world is on the verge of another great disarmament attempt. It is generally believed that Mr Hoover is about to announce a bold stroke on his own initiative shortly. The President has asked naval experts to formulate a “yardstick” for naval reduction plans, and it is understood that Mr C. G. Dawes, the re-cently-appointed Ambassador to Britain, is sailing for London on June 7 with full authority to open negotiations for new considerations, and perhaps with a naval formula in his pocket,—Australian Press Association. NO MODIFICATION AMERICA’S BUILDING PROGRAMME. (Rec. 10.40 p.m.) Washington, June 4. President Hoover has no intention of either modifying or abandoning the United States’ cruiser building programme as indicated by some who sought, to interpret his Memorial Day address, and the statement on disarmament by the Secretary of State, Mr Stimson. Attention is called in high administrative circles to the fact that the construction of fifteen additional 10.000-ton ships is made mandatory by Congress at least until an agreement for a reduction of sea power is reached by the leading nations and ratified by the Senate.—Australian Press Association —United Service.