ITALY READY TO DISARM IF OTHERS WILL DO THE SAME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18585, 10 October 1928, Page 4

ITALY READY TO DISARM IF OTHERS WILL DO THE SAME.

WANTS LIMITATION OF ALL TONNAGES. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) ROME. October.B. The Italian reply to the Franco-Bri-tish naval compromise has been issued It upholds the interdependence of military, naval and aerial armaments, and the extension of the limitation principle throughout the world. It recalls Signor Mussolini’s speech in July, when he said that Italy was ready to accept, a priori, as the limit of armaments any figures, however low, provided they were not exceeded by any European Continental Power. The Note expresses the opinion that such a policy is best applied navally by the limitation of the whole tonnage instead of the limitation of classes, because it enables countries possessing smaller armaments - to adapt their tonnage, thus securing compensation against stronger Powers. The reply reaffirms Italy’s determination to co-operate in measures that might make limitation capable of furthering the consolidation and reconstruction of Europe.—Australian Press Association—U nited Service.

HORAN TO LEAVE PARIS TO-MORROW.

EMBASSY LODGES PROTEST; H E A R S T TAKES RESPONSIBILITY. LONDON. October 9. The Paris correspondent of the “ Morning Post ” reports that Mr Horan was given the alternative of signing an agreement to leave France before Thursday or committal to the Sante prison, pending trial on a charge of being in possession of stolen documents. He chose to quit and will depart on Thursday, unless there are further developments. Mr Horan received the document from Mr Hearst, who was recently in Paris, and therefore had no option but to transmit it to New York. Mr Hearst has since telegraphed to the American Embassy taking full responsibility for publication. The Embassy has lodged a protest against the expulsion.—Australian Press Association.