DOMINIONS MAY WANT MORE SHIPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18991, 10 February 1930, Page 1

DOMINIONS MAY WANT MORE SHIPS.

FEAR THAT BRITISH CUTS MAY HAVE GONE TOO FAR (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received February 10, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, February 9. Experts representing five naval Powers visited Mr MacDonald at Chequers Court during the week-end. It is understood- that the discussion concerned the British and American memoranda and their relation to policies. An interesting position may arise during the coming week, affecting the doininions. Though Friday’s British statement was headed, “Memorandum setting forth the policy of his Majesty’s Government”, the British spokesman revealed that it was discussed by the dominions, “who agreed to it unofficially. It also represents the views of the dominions.” The Australian Press Association understands that, though assenting to the declaration, some dominions have expressed the fear that Britain is going a little.too far, depleting the Fleet before Jsipan, France and Italy have shown their hands. It is known that the Canadians are relieved of a measure of anxiety relating to the Pacific by the Americans* readiness to reduce the number of large cruisers to eighteen, so presumably a doubt exists in the minds of the Australian and New Zealand delegations for the safety of the Empire’s outposts. It is possible that Mr J. E. Fenton (Australia) and Mr T. M. Wilford (New Zealand) mav be heard at-Tuesday’s plenary session on the nature of the dominions’ reservations on the memorandum.