NATIONS’ NAVIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1923, Page 5

NATIONS’ NAVIES.

THE POLICY OF FRANCE. TREATY RATIFIED. MEETING GERMAN MENACE, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 9, 8.15 p.m. Paris, July 8. During the debate in the Chamber, which resulted in the ratification of the Washington Treaty, MM. Briand and Poincare agreed that the fixed figures for capital ships did not affect the other units, and that France’s liberty was not bound so far as light cruisers, torpedo-boats and submarines were concerned M. Berthon (Communist) said that France’s post-war abstention from warship building was due solely to financial reasons, and he added, sarcastically, that no one foresaw the present difficulties with Britain and Italy. M Poincare (Premier) heatedly intervened and declared: “That is an abominable statement which may be misinterpreted abroad. It is ridiculous to pretend we want to build cruisers and submarines against Britain and Italy. We are forearming against a menace which may come in the future from Germany.” The treaty was ratified by 406 votes to 106. AMERICA’S NAVY. MINIMUM FORCE AT SEA. Received July 9, 5.5 £.m. New York, July 8. The Washington correspondent of the New York Times learn§ that the general board of the navy has submitted a plan, which Mr. E. Denby (Secretary of the Navy) has approved, to maintain in fighting trim a minimum naval force at sea of eighteen first line battleships, fourteen cruisers and eighty-four submarines, irrespective of what action France takes regarding the Washington naval treaty. Strong feeling, however, exists among an important faction in Congress that when France approves the United States will be able to reduce its navy below the size authorised in the treaty. The correspondent finds officials are inclined to approve of the Japanese sentiment for a British, American and Japanese pact in the event of the failure of France to approve the naval treaty.