FURTHER DISARMAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17229, 21 December 1923, Page 1

FURTHER DISARMAMENT.

AMERICAN PUBLIC OPINION GROWING. HOPES FOR FRANCE FALLING INTO LINE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.—Aus. and ’ N.Z. Cable Assn (Received December 21, 8.50 a.m.) NEW YORK. December 20. The Washington correspondent of the “ New York Herald ’’ says that President Coolidge would call ,a Conference for the limitation of aerpolanes and submarines in warfare if he had official assurances that ihe invitation would be welcomed. Two resolutions have been already introduced in Congress calling upon the President to further the cause of continued disarmament, and the sentiment has now grown stronger in view of Mr E. Denby’s (Secretary for the Navy) request for an appropriation of 6,500,000 dollars for raising the elevation of the turrets on American battleships. The correspondent states:—“ Washington regards France as the stumbling block in the way of such a Conference, at the present time. There is a conviction, however, that Britain will completely favour the proposed limitation. The enthusiasts an )°ng Congressmen even declare that, the power of public opinion in Britain and the United States may not only force the Governments to seriously consider another Conference, but may even impel French compliance.”