BRITAIN AND DISARMAMENT.

Thames Star, Volume LXII, Issue 17319, 6 January 1928, Page 4

BRITAIN AND DISARMAMENT.

In spite of all suggestions that America may'• largely increase its navalestimates the British Govermet has decided toi delay the execution of their programme of cruiser-building. That is the most effective answer to the charge that they are not in earnest about disarmament, "This is the best piece of news the Government have given us for some time," points out the. Saturday Review, "good from every poit of view. First, it is a .quick response to the very remarkable f evidence in the country'of a desire for some gesture ,of disarmament. Secondly, it shows a real attempt at national economy. .Thirdly, it affords a brilliant reply to the criticism of Lord Cecil, who, in the House of Lords on the same day as the cut was announced, defended his resignation by declaring that Mr. Baldwin's Cabinet had no genuine interest in disarmament. Lastly, coming as it does after the failure at Geneva and on the eve of the discussion-in Congress of the U.S. Navy Department's new building programme, it shows America that Great Britain has no inclination to enter into naval rivalry with her and is,, in the face of a temporary lack of agreement, ready to make independent curtailments. In any subsequent resumption of disarmament negotiations this action will put her in a strong moral position. The Government are to be heartily congratulated. —Waikato Times.