PROTEST BY NAVY LEAGUE

Taranaki Daily News, 21 October 1933, Page 7

PROTEST BY NAVY LEAGUE

UNITED STATES’ REJOINDER REFERENCES TO BUILDING OPEN LETTER TO BRITAIN 'HOPEFUL CANDOUR’ ASKED By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 10 p.m. ■ Washington, Oct. 20. The Navy League of the United States has published a sensational open letter to the Navy League of the British Empire taking exception to Sir John Simon’s recent references to American plans to build 10,000-ton cruisers. “The league is being forced reluctantly to the conclusion that while your statesmen continue to say war between us is unthinkable they apparently keep their minds always on such a contingency, and that in the event of our engagement in a war in which the British remain neutral Britain is indifferent to the outcome,” says the letter. “This conclusion likewise is strengthened by the British attack on mail subventions granted our merchant fleet.

“Hopeful candour on both sides will serve to reconcile our views,” the letter concludes. It told the British. Navy League that continued antagonism by Britain to the naval building policy bf the United States would block “absolutely essential” co-operation between the two nations.

The letter is signed by Mr. N. M. Hubbard junr., president, and will be delivered formally Friday in London. The League has no official connection with the United States Government.