INTEREST IN NAVAL CONFERENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18511, 7 March 1930, Page 9

INTEREST IN NAVAL CONFERENCE.

America’s Plan Discussed

FRIENDLY MESSAGE FROM FRANCE. (United Press Association—By Alectrto Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, March 5. Revived interest in the Naval Conference largely centres about the agitation in America over the breakdown of the Senatorial objection to a consultative agreement as an addendum to the Kellogg Pact. It is expected that M. Tardieu. over the week-end. wall not be slow to press with renewed vigour France's original declaration that a reduction of her demands is impossible till some measure of security is obtained in the Mediterranean. British are silent regarding this aspect, but do not conceal the expectation that next week's discussions will be closely related to the new turn of opinion in America, towards the much discussed solution of the tonnage impasse. Mr H. L. Stimson in a statement, said there seemed to be an impression abroad that the work of the American delegation was likely to result in the increase instead of the decrease of naval tonnage. Such results as appeared within reach provided the surest answer. The plan seemingly most acceptable to the United States and Britain aimed at a net reduction of tonnage of capital ships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines, of over 200,000 tons, and even a larger reduction by the British. If the vessels authorised but not commenced were included, the cuts could be much greater, but they were contingent on the other Powers making some reduction.

Greetings from France. M. Tardieu, the French Prime Minister, has addressed the following telegram to Mr Ramsay MacDonald: "On reassuming the leadership of the French Government, I desire to express to you my cordial good wishes, as also to our Colleagues of American, British, Italian and Japanese delegations, and assure you of the pleasure I shall feel in again participating in our joint efforts for the success of the conference.”

The Prime Minister. Mr MacDonald replied: “In the name of our colleagues, I send you our warmest greetings and thanks for your telegram. We look forward with pleasure to a renewal of our collaboration with you in the work of the Conference. Before you cross the Channel I extend to you the hand of friendship.”