AEROPLANES AND SUBMARINES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18900, 22 December 1923, Page 5

AEROPLANES AND SUBMARINES

PROPOSED LIMITATION. NEW YORK, Dee. 20. The New York Herald’s Washington correspondent says: President Coolidge would call a conference for the limitation of aeroplanes, and submarines in warfare it he had official assurances that the invitations would be welcomed. Two resolutions have already been introduced in Congress calling upon the President to further the course of continued disarmament and the sentiment has now grown stronger in view of Mr. Denby’s request for an appropriation for navy modernisation. The correspondent states that 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. Enthusiasts among Congressmen even declare the power of public opinion in Britain and the United States may not only force lhe governments to seriously consider another conference, but even compel French compliance.

It was cabled on the 10 th. inst. that Mr. Denby, Secretary of the United States Navy, in his annual report asked Congress to appropriate thirty million dollars for the purpose of modernising the navy through gun elevation, deck sheathing, torpedo blisters, and the conversion of six battleships to coal burners. The Secretary's recommendations have been made despite Mr Hughes’ opposition. The report stresses the opinion that the changes will not contravene the spirit or letter of the Washington Naval Treaty. The report further requests the construction of ten new cruisers, and comments with pride on the achievements of the American Navy.