WORTH CONTINUING

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1934, Page 5

WORTH CONTINUING

PRELIMINARY NAVAL DISCUSSION.

BRITISH AND AMERICAN OPINION.

British Wireless. Rugby, Nov. 23. The Prime Minister, Mr. Ramsay MacDonald, Sir John Simon, Foreign Secretary, and two of the British delegates to the naval conversations proceeding at London met the American delegates, Mr. Norman Davis and Mr. Ray Atherton, when the Americans were informed of what had passed in recent talks with the Japanese delegates. This was followed by a general review of- the position to the present, and after the discussion both delegations decided that it was worth while continuing the conversations.

At an early stage of the conversations the Japanese naval proposals were presented and in the sum they proved, totally unacceptable by both British and Americans. As no indication of modification of these proposals is forthcoming from the Japanese side, certain suggestions were put forward by the British during the seriatim examination of the proposals. The Japanese after consultation with Tokio rejected the suggestions, but showed a desire to continue the talks, which, however, imve so far resulted in no advance.

No formal meetings will be held during the week-end, but social engagements will bring some of the delegates, including Sir John Simon and Mr. Davis, into contact.

Further Anglo-Japanese conversations will take place probably on Wednesday. The Japanese delegation has issued a statement that rumours that Japan is willing to recognise a larger navy for Britain than for Japan or the United States or proposes a ratio of 5-4-4 are wi A '-~ut foundation. Japan is opposed to the ratio system in any form and favours an agreement based on the prinr'Ca of a common upper limit.