EUROPE’S NAVAL PROBLEMS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18844, 6 April 1931, Page 9

EUROPE’S NAVAL PROBLEMS.

Franco-Italian Treaty. DIFFICULTIES IN NEGOTIATIONS. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 5, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 4. The drafting of the Franco-Italian Naval Treaty is proving more difficult than was anticipated. Members of the committee have returned to their respective countries to consult their governments. According to the British United Press correspondent in Paris, the French viewpoint is that while the agreement governs the number of replacement of units to be commissioned before 1936, it does not govern the amount of tonnage which can be constructed, therefore vessels in excess of the allotted quoto, could be built provided they are not utilised at present. A message from Rome states that Italy is insisting on the observance of the spirit, as well as the letter of the agreement, but does not hold the opinion shared elsewhere regarding the possibility of a breakdown of the negotiations. French Claim. It is understood that the French claim that new ships begun after 1934, and not completed by 1936 are excluded from the Treaty. They claim the right therefore to build 66.000 tons in 1934-5-6, but completed after 1936 to replace obsolete vessels. This is stated to represent a voluntary sacrifice of half the tonnage France feels she needs for replacement.