UNITED STATES’ THREAT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19772, 21 February 1927, Page 7

UNITED STATES’ THREAT

TO OTHER POWERS INSISTS ON DISARMAMENT OB WILL ABM TO THE TEETH. IW Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright] Received Feb. 20, 5.5 p.m. WASHINGTON, Feb. 19. The linking of the French War Debt to the United Slates with disarmament occurred to-day, when, following upon the passage through the House of Representatives of an appropriation of 75,®OC» dollars to defray the expenses of American participation in the preparatory disarmament conference at Geneva, Representative Begg urged that France should be informed that in view of her refusal of President Coolidge’s invitation she is expected to pay every cent of her obligations to the United Slates.

Mr Begg, moreover, stated that the Powcrss hould be given notice that if the spirit of co-operation for the reduction of armaments is lacking, the United States can. and will, build national defence sufficient to command the respect ef the world. Furthermore, money should not be loaned to any nation not agreeing to ait at the conference to determine if it is not possible to reduce armaments.

THE ITALIAN VIEW DICTATOR INTERVENES. A MORE FAVOURABLE REPLY. Received Feb. 20, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Feb.- 119. Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic •orrespondent states that whereas two or throe days ago the Italian reply to President Coolidge was decided in a frank negative by naval advisers, it is understood Signor Mussolini intervened, and in consequence of the draft of the reply was altered ad modified, taking into consideration Italo-Ameri-can relations and the recent co-opera-tion with Britain.

JAPAN ACQUIESCES SHARES AMERICA’S VIEWS. RATIOS OF NAVAL STRENGTH. Received Feb. 20, 11.5 p.m. WASHINGTON, Feb. 19. The Japanese Note accepting President Coolidge’s disarmament proposals has been received, and textually it states that Japan fully shares with America’s views as expressed in the memorandum. Japan cordially welcomes the initiative taken by the United States, and will be happy to participate in such negotiations and in empowering its representatives to conclude an agreement on the subject . The Government, in view of the importance of the problem, finds it essential that at least part of the Japanese delegation shall be sent from Tokio, snd due time will be necessary for preparations and the journey. It would >e impossible to participate in a FiveRower conference if such should occur immediately after the forthcoming sesdon of the Preparatory Disarmament lommiasion at Geneva. Japan therefore suggests a FiveRower meeting not earlier than June 1. No Rigid. Proposals. The Note concludes that the Japanese Government is gratified to learn that it ts not the intention of the American Government to advance rigid proposals on the ratios of naval strength be maintained by several Powers in the class of vessels not covered by the ■Washington Treaty. It seems highly important in order to ensure the success of the proposed negotiations, that in the matter of the conlitions of limitations of armaments, all parties to negotiations should approach the matter with an open mind, being always guided by a spirit of mutual accommodation and helpfulness, consistent with the defensive requirements of each nation. The Government confidently hopes an agreement will be reached in a manner fair and satisfactory to each participating Power and conducive to the general peace and security of the world. Official Comment. While there is considerable conjecture whether the Japanese acceptance of President Coolidge s proposal would be affected if only three Powers accept it, it is felt that the pressure of sentiment may be so great as to force France anti Italy into the naval conference. There is a feeling of conviction that Britain ’s acceptance will be along the lines of the Japanese, and President Coolidge is expected to give serious thought to the advisability of asking these two Governments to co-operate with the United States in an earnest effort to conclude a treaty of limitation of naval armaments without regard to Fiance or Italy. Senator Borah conferred with President Coolidge immediately after the recipt of Japan’s Note.