DEADLOCK AT CONFERENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18540, 10 April 1930, Page 9

DEADLOCK AT CONFERENCE.

French Claims Resisted. SEEKING THREE-POWER TREATY. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, April 8. It is learned that a Three-Power Treaty has so progressed that it will shortly be ready for signing. Australia, New Zealand and Canada will 'sign separately from Britain, in accordance with the 1926 Imperial Conference declaration. It is stated that South Africa is not signing, she not being interested in the Pacific Ocean. The Treaty means a considerable saving of the building programmes, but reservations give the right to resummon the signatories if- the European Powers’ building makes it necessary. HARMONISING RIVAL CLAIMS. MR MACDONALD S ACTIVITY. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, April 8. Britain and America have agreed to Japan’s earlier replacement of light cruisers and destroyers. The only outstanding point is the transfer of destroyer tonnage to submarines. Prime Minister’s Statement. Mr Macdonald had over two hours’ conversation with M. Briand at the House of Commons this afternoon on the political aspects of the Naval Confereice, which were the subject of a private discussion in London last week, and upon which M. Briand consulted his Government in Paris during the week-end. Other aspects of the Conference were discussed by the delegates and experts during the day at St. James’s Palace. The reservations attached by the Japanese Government to their acceptance of the compromise tonnage proposals, which were agreed upon by the ! United States and Japanese delegations in London, with the full concurrence of the British delegation, were this morning examined by the heads of the delegations of the three Powers concerned. Very satisfactory progress was made and it is understood that only one subject is now outstanding. This will be further considered to-morrow. At the conclusion of the conversation between Mr Macdonald and M. Briand a communique issued states:— “M. Briand informed Mr Macdonald of the result of the conversations which he had in Paris, and on his side Mr Macdonald stated the results of the discussions which had taken place in the meantime in London.” It is understood that the discussions will be continued to-morrow. In the House of Commons, Mr Macdonald said the Government were still working to secure a Five-Power agreement. It is officially explained that the true definition of the past ten days’ Anglo-French discussion is the drawing up of an agreed statement, defining the sanction clauses of the Covenant. No actual formula has either been accepted or rejected by Paris, but Britain and France practically agreed in principle. SURPRISE FOR OTHER POWERS. NINETY-FIVE MILE GUNS FOR NAVY. (UnlUd Press Association— By Baotrl* Ta.-tgraph —Copyright.) (Received April 9, 9.50 p.m.) PARIS, April 9. It was disclosed in the Senate that the French Navy is in possession of several guns capable of firing ninetyfive miles. They are thus superior to the German weapons which, in 1918, bombarded Paris from a distance of 75 to 80 miles. It is recalled that the gun which was being constructed in England at the time of the Armistice was superior to the Germans’, but was scrapped.