BRITISH POSITION BOLDLY OUTLINED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18188, 22 June 1927, Page 7

BRITISH POSITION BOLDLY OUTLINED.

GENEVA, June 20. Mr Bridgeman, in thanking President Coolidge for the invitation, mentioned that the Admiralty proposals were actually in the hands of Mr Baldwin before the invitation received. He regretted that France and Italy were absent. The time was ripe for an extension of the Washington principle of limitation, lie thought the Conference would be successful if each country frankly stated what naval force was wanted by .it and why. Based purely on defensive considerations, he

defined the British Empire’s position According to the following factors:— (1) The insular position of England, dependent for raw materials and food and for its very existence on the free passage of the seas, which rendered the discussion of naval armaments more difficult for her than for any other country. (2) The length of Britain’s trade routes. (3) The extensive coastline of the Empire, and the long lines of communications to be protected. He emphasised the fact that he spoke with the consent of the dominions’ representatives. Whatever treat3 r might result from the Conference would be made in the names of the heads of the States participating, several parts of the Empire being shown by appropriate geographical entries in lieu of plenipotentiaries. The object of Britain was economy, but she made a reservation, namely: Owing to the position of Britain in relation to Europe, it was necessary to guard against an increase of naval strength of non-signatories to any agreement relating to the United States, Japan and the British Empire. Therefore, provision for reconsideration would be needed, but he hoped that the European Powers would adhere to the agreement.