COOLIDGE GIVES O.K. TO NAVAL BUILDING PLAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18341, 19 December 1927, Page 10

COOLIDGE GIVES O.K. TO NAVAL BUILDING PLAN.

FAVOURS PEACE AND DISARMAMENT BY PACTS AMONG THE NATIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW YORK, December 16. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” states that when the matter was under discussion at White House to-day, President Coolidge approved of the naval programme sent to the House of Representatives. It is also stated that under the operation of the Budget Law, President Coolidge had given his approval to the project. The Budget Bureau had asked the President whether the programme prepared by the Navy Department was in conflict with his financial policy, and Mr Coolidge replied that it. was not. It was further contended that the programme did not commit the United States to a movement that would stimulate competitive building or strike a blow at the peace of the world. The President indicated that he was for peace and limitation of armaments by international agreements. He believed that this was the sentiment of the country and that the country would favourably react to the proposed naval programme. The new programme provides for the expenditure of 1,000.000,000 dollars over a period of five years. Increases in all branches of naval expenditure are proposed, including the building of twen-ty-five new cruisers.