THE NAVAL QUESTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19768, 16 February 1927, Page 7

THE NAVAL QUESTION

DIFFICULTY OF SOLUTION MUCH DEPENDS ON FRANCE SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVES [By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright] Received February 15, 11.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 15. In the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon. Stanley Baldwin (Prime Minister) replying to a question, said President Coolidge’s proposals were under the most earnest consideration, but it was too early to make a statement on the subject. It is stated in the papers that the proposals are being examined by experts of the Foreign Office, Admiralty and Dominions Office, which are in consultation. When the sectional reports thereon are completed, they will be referred to the Committee of Imperial Defence for a general strategic survey before being considered by Cabinet. The difficulty of reaching a concrete solution in the absence of France is fully realised in London. Beyond the alternative attributed to White House of a three-Power instead of a fivePower conference, it is hinted here that Mr Hearst’s suggested AngloAmerican Naval Pact may be vigorously revived. ITALY'S PROGRAMME MUST NOT BE CURTAILED SIGNOR MUSSOLINI’S STATEMENT LONDON, Feb. 15. The Rome correspondent of the “Daily Mail’’ says that Signor Mussolini’s reply to President Coolidge suggests that Italy may participate, conditionally that she does not accept a further limitation of her naval programme. JAPAN’S FORCES NECESSARY FOB SAFETY A SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT TOKIO, Feb. 14. Replying to interpellations in the Upper House, the Prime Minister stated that her present military and naval forces were necessary to maintain and protect Japan’s existing position and rights. Unless there was a marked change in Japan’s international position, in the world’s general condition, and in other similar circumstances, Japan must maintain her present strength on land and sea. This reply is of particular interest following the statement of the Navy Minister to the Press, in which, after expressing the naval authorities’ ’approval of the Aymeric an proposal to limit nrm aments, •he further said: “Provided any agreement concluded on a fair principle in such a way must not affect Japan’s national defence.” The Minister emphasised that the Japanese navy was at present at a minimum for defensive purposes ,and consequently menaced no one.