CONFERENCE OF POWERS

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1930, Page 9

CONFERENCE OF POWERS

BASIS FOR DISARMAMENT DELEGATES’ CONVERSATIONS ARMING OF MERCHANTMEN By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Jan. 29. The Japansese to-day announced that one of the subjects they have listed for the conference’s consideration is whether there is a possibility of limiting the arming of merchantmen and' their use as bases for aeroplanes. The Americans at Geneva in 1927 attached the greatest importance to the former question in view of the British superiority in merchantmen capable of carry-: ing C-inch guns. The activity between different delegations has been lulled by preparation for the plenary session, which will not be an occasion to register agreement but will merely implement the arrangement to have a committee. The proceedings are likely to be brief.

Mr. MacDonald will state the position in regard to tonnages. It is expected Signor Grandi will give an indication of the figure it is proposed to allocate to Italy. Apparently it will be an occasion for Mr. MacDonald to go warily because, if he indicates Britain's ideas of her own figures in advance of those of France and Italy it may hamper Britain’s bargaining opportunities.

It is unfortunate that Great Britain comes- alphabetically between France and Italy, but this may be overcome by Mr. MacDonald,, as chairman, making a general opening and reserving his detailed case till later in the session, when experts may have a formula to. submit.

Mr. H. L. ■Stimson’s broadcast really indicated America’s desire in . connection with the order of business: (1) To end competition in cruisers and destroyers; (2) to abolish or limit submarines;' (3) to reduce battleships below the 1922 agreement. BATTLESHIPS LAST. Singularly enough Sir Maurice Bankey’s preliminary questionnaire, suggesting the draft agenda, also put battleships last, so that everything points to the idea that the first real test will bo cruisers. The British' spokesman says that all tho delegates, if they so desire, may speak alphabetically to-morrow. Thereafter there may be general discussion, but there is still a feeling that there has not been sufficient progress as yet to justify a full dress debate. Mr. T. M. Wilford, representing the Dominions rather than only New Zealand, attended the meeting of the British and Japanese delegates. It is revealed that Britain, France and Japan reached an agreement on an Anglo-French 'global and category compromise. Mr. MacDonald to-night submitted the agreement to Mr. H. L. Stimson and Signor Grandi. The big five will each make a statement on the subject at to-morrow’s plenary meeting. Tho Japanese spokesman explains that, the present position is that Japan favours limitation by categories, but dees not object to the other system. Japan is prepared to reduce the strength of its other categories, except submarines, provided its requirements are considered on their merits as a big Power. He added, “We are confident of a satisfactory conclusion to ■ the con- . ferenee.” Replying to Major B. P. Malone, Mr. A. P. Alexander, First Lord of the Admiralty, said that if no Washington treaty battleships were laid /down till the beginning of 1937 Britain’s yearly saving in the meanwhile would be £l,030,000, £0,665,000, £10,050,000, £11,873,000, £12,03'5,000 and £10,370,000. ' Mr. Alexander told Sir A. Hore-Bel-isha that the cancellation of the cruisers Surrey and Northumber Mnd was decided upon for reason of high policy. He did not expect that the dockyards > would have difficulty 'in finding alternative work. ■» • The Prime Minister to-day entertained the heads of the delegations and their wives at luncheon. Lord Grey, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Snowden, and Mr. and Mrs. Runciman were also present. This evening in his rom at the House of Commons x the Prime Minister gave the substance of conversations between the French and British delegates in. turn to Mr. H. L. Stimson, Mr. Wakatsuki and. Signor Grandi Mr. T. W.. Wilford, asked whether his presence at the Anglo-Japanese meeting was associated with Pacific discussions, replied that it was not. Specific questions had not yet been raised, the Powers merely discussing general attitudes.Mr. Wilford does not think that the Singapore Base will be discussed. He added: “I have never discussed . the Singapore Base formally or informally with Messrs. MacDonald or Fenton.”