ARMS LIMITATION

Southland Times, Issue 21855, 4 November 1932, Page 7

ARMS LIMITATION

QUESTIONS IN COMMONS. HOUSE TO BE KEPT INFORMED. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, November 2. In view of the reassembly of the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference, the Prime Minister was asked in the House of Commons for an assurance that the Government would not commit itself to any such proposals as those being advanced for the . total abolition of military, naval and aviation forces coupled with international control of civil aviation and for the abolition of warships over 10,000 tons without first affording Parliament an opportunity for discussion. He said it was not intended to make any departure from the normal practice when the Governments were engaged in important negotiations.’ Replying to a question in which reference was made in particular to Article 16 of the League Covenant and the Government’s attitude towards the protocol, the Prime Minister assured the House that the Government would not involve the country in further naval and military commitments in Europe without the consent of the House. When asked for a specific declaration that nothing was designed for the abolition of the Air Force without the permission of the House, the Prime Minister said the Government must have complete freedom in negotiation which, however, would be conducted with the full knowledge of the House with whom the final consent remained. JAPANESE SERVICES NEED FOR LESS EXPENDITURE. (Rec. 7 p.m.) Tokio, November 2. Insisting that drastic reductions in the naval and military budgets are absolutely necessary, the Finance Minister is facing an apparently insufferable problem in the reconciliation of both departments. Maintaining the strongest, attitude, the militants declare that they will not tolerate a reduction in their demands, which are indispensable to present needs.