DISARMAMENT.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 8 April 1927, Page 3

DISARMAMENT.

,P«.r Press Asseciation—Copyright.',

GENEVA, April 7

Lively passages followed the resumption of the proceedings at the Preparatory Commission on- Disarmament.

M. de Marinis, apparently feeling slighted by the private discussions between M. Boncour and Vlsbount Cecil, relating to naval disarmament indicated yesterday, said it would lie a mistake to imagine tha. once an agreement was reached by, them, the remainder of • the Commission would be prepared to accept that agreement?. Off the contrary, the delegates would probably refer the matter to their Governments.

Viscount Cecil intervened hastily to assure M. de Marinis that there was ho intention of forcing upon the Commission any agreement reached

privately. M. de Marinis, not seeming satisfied, M. Boncour rose up an i protested that no private negotiations were in progress. He had simply submitted to Viscount Cecil in writing, a formula based oh yesterday’s discussion.

Viscount Cecil, who had previously told the Press that lie was negotiating with M. Boncour. remained silent.

M. De Marinis continued to argue the point, and the Commission adjourned after two hours’ disputation. Later, Germany submitted a formal proposal demanding the limitation of military material, Including rifles, machine guns, and all classes of howitzers, mortars, and other artillery, tanks, and armoured cars, as well as ammunition. The Commission considered the proposals to limit armament expenditure. Dr. Gibson opposed this proposal on the grounds that it was impracticable and inequitable. He argued in favour of the direct limitation of armaments, and declared that budgetary figures were • insufficient criterion of the limitation or otherwise of armaments.

Count Bernstorff also opposed the Budget limitation. The discussion then adjourned.