END OF BRITANNIA’S RULE

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1930, Page 9

END OF BRITANNIA’S RULE

FRENCH VIEWS OF TREATY EQUALITY WITH AMERICANS BRITISH PRESS COMMENTS By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 10.30 p.m. London, April 23. French comment is practically unanimous in expressing the opinion that the treaty marks the end of a period in history in which it may be said in truth that Britain ruled the waves, though Le Matin softens the bitterness of thought by the reflection that the United States, having obtained the right to build up to the British standard, will refrain from doing so, being content with the acknowledgement of her equality. The other outstanding idea is that France has done well for herself by coming out of the conference with its hands untied. A Geneva message says League of Nations officials profess gratification at the signing of the treaty, believing that it is a step towards real disarmament. Moreover, it leaves the question of disarmament once more in the hands of the League. It is expected the League of Nations Preparatory Disarmament Commission will meet in October with an agreement already reached on many military and air questions. The commission should quickly complete a convention and perinit’an early convocation of the world’s first general disarmament conference.

The Morning Post congratulates Mr. MacDonald on achieving something substantial without forgetting,, as he said, “The Navy is us.” The three-Power paet reduces the tyranny of the 10,000ton cruiser, but the Admiralty must keep the question of the renewal of cruisers and destroyers, constantly in mind.

The Times save each step in the limitation and reduction of armaments breeds an increase in mutual confidence. The value of the three-Power agreement is enhanced by the fact that it ie not exclusive but one which the signatories hope to see extended by the adhesion of other naval Powers. All the speakers paid tribute to the unfailing tact and patience of Mr. MacDonald, but more than any other single factor in the success of the conference is the improvement of Anglo-American relations, for which Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Baldwin before him strived on one side of the Atlantic and Messrs, Hoover and Stimson on the other side.

The Daily Herald says:. What the Conservatives failed to achieve in 1927 the Labour Government achieved in 1930. The danger of competitive, increasing and accelerated ship-building has been averted. Moreover, the Washington Treaty limitation of capital ships has been so extended that' there is good ground to hope that no more costly giants will be launched. In cold fact, a year ago the possibilities of an AngloAmerican war was being seriously discussed. Frank talk, mainly diplomacy, has dissipated the nightmare. This may prove the most important success of the conference.