THE GREAT NAVIES.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 19, 14 February 1927, Page 5

THE GREAT NAVIES.

—-■—- . DISARMAMENT PROPOSAL. / , - - • - • LONDON, Feb. 12. Mr Coolidge ’s .proposal continues to attract attention. The Daily Telegraph” points ‘out that 'US fat’: as Britain is concerned, it is apparent that the naval problems to which Mr Coolidge refers, concern hot only us, but the population of the dominions. -They were represented kt the Washington Conference, and any action which this country should take must be in full harmony with the younger nations. The “Daily Express” hopes there will be no attempt to ignore or repudiate Mr Coolidge’s friendly gesture. GRATIFICATION AT GENEVA. GENEVA ,Feb. 12. Mr Coolidge’s proposals were most unexpected, but were .received with the greatest gratification .in : League circles. They are regardedas the greatest single advance hitherto made for world disarmament. They-'arc tantamount to transferring the discussion of naval disarmament.from Washington to Geneva. .■ . - j -r i • - WELCOMED IN GERMANY. BERLIN, Feb. 11. A Foreign Office spokesman welcomes Mr Coolidge’s proposal. ■ He states that he believes the United States is most qualified to assume the initiation in disarmament, because it has no axe to grind. THE ITALIAN ATTITUDE. ROME, Feb. 11. It is practically assured that Italy will accept Mr Coolidge’s invitation, though she is certain to claim equality with France in naval building. COOL RECEPTION IN PARIS. PARIS, Feb’ IT. The press receives Mr Coolidge’s proposals coolly, considering limitation of small cruising Craft damaging to France. “Le Temps” expresses the opinion ■ that the proposals are essentially’ those of a country not fearing land attack. France-is determined'to solve the disarmament problem via Geneva, not Washington, on the basis that naval, military, and air forces arc inseparable, while war potentiality including population, resource, industrial development and geographical situation must also be considered. JAPANESE OPINION. TOKIO, Feb.'l3. The keynote of the vernacular press comment regarding the disarmament proposal is that it will be welcomed in principle, though it is regarded as difcult of achievement. The application of the five-fivc-thrce ratio to all' classes of vessels is unanimously opposed. There is an underlying feeling that the proposal is closely connected with American internal politics. The “Asahi” considers that the first step should be spiritual armament limitation, in which it includes the suspension of the construction of the Singapore naval base, and modification of the American immigration legislation, which the paper regards as disturbing elements. '