WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14801, 15 November 1921, Page 5

WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

AMERICA’S CHALLENGE QUESTIONABLE STATESMANSHIP. REJECTION MEANS WAR„ (Australian and N.Z. Gable Assn.) Received November 14, 7.40 p.m. LONDON, November 14. The Daily News’ Washington correspondent states the refusal of the Americans' naval challenge by one or two of the nations to which it is addressed as certainly means war as its acceptance means the initiation of a new undream-ed-of era of hope. London and Tq£io must speak, but a cautious note must be sounded. To launch in the llrst hour of the conference, not merely principles, but schemes elaborated in every detail, means questionable statesmanship. What was wanted was not the Americans’ plan for a reduction in each indl-' vidual navy, but a conference plan. The correspondent adds; ‘‘l fear a more difficult situation has been created than is quite realised.”

FAR-REACHING EFFECTS. SOME EXPERT OPINIONS. AN INSUFFICIENT MARGIN. Received November 14. 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 13. It has been pointed out to the Australian Press that the Washington proposals would have a far-reaching effect on the great industrial firms. Twelve such in Great Britain have an authorised capital of £48,000,000 and employ normally nearly 100,000 people, many of whom would have to seek employment in other industries. The Daily Chronicle interviewed experts regarding President Harding’s proposals. Admiral Sir Percy Scott says the principal matter in question is whether or not we shall build more warships. Owing to the changed conditions of naval and aerial warfare, the building of battleships is an insane policy. Vice-Admiral Mark Kerr considers the proposal that capital ship tonnage be used as the measurement of the relative strengths of America, Japan and Britain affords £ good sound basis for discussion, die’ agrees with the suggested abandonment of all capital ships on the building programmes. Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge says that America’s proposals do not seem to lake note of the conditions of the British Empire. Insufficient allowance is made for the naval interests of India and Australia, with their enormous coast lines and maritime trade. Australia is very near 10,000,000 of Asiatics, and the proposal is not acceptable without a good deal of discussion.

VISCOUNT KATO’S VIEWS. SITUATION CLARIFIED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received November 14, 9.50 p.m. WASHINGTON, November 14. Viscount Admiral Kato, in an interview, stated that up to the present •Tapan had fears which caused her to continue building, but the navy has always been meant for defensive purposes. It has never been the policy or intention of Japan to attempt to rival either of the two greatest navies of the world. “I am now happy to believe (hat whatever fears might have been entertainer] can well be dissipated by the free and fresh interchanges of views at the present conference. The public pronouncement by the Secretary for Stale at the inaugural session lias clarified the situation, and in the meantime assurances from us arc 1 unnecessary. The great distance which lies between our shores and America, and tho supremacy of the United Stales in wealth, »izc/ and resources, make needless any words we could pledge. With fears on both sides obliterated, an agreement so far as Japan is concerned cannot fail to come. It is with this view that Japan’s delegation will proceed to the detailed examination of the American proposals, which show a convincing sincerity of purpose.”

NEW ZEALAND CONGRATULATIONS

SUGGESTION FROM HAMILTON

The following remit was passed unanimously at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce meeting last night:— “This Chamber respectfully suggests to tlie New Zealand Associated Chambers of Commerce that the following cable be , transmitted. to the Armaments Conference now being held in Washington: ‘filial the New Zealand Associated Chambers of Commerce express their hearty congratulations to President W. G. Harding for the splendid lead given by America in regard to disarmaments, 'and, further, the \ssocialcd Chambers sincerely trust that Hie Conference will be successful in its endeavour lo secure a rational, humane and civilised method of settling international disputes by peaceful methods as opposed to those resorting to force.’ ’’

MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT HARDING. FROM AUSTRALIAN LABOUR. Received November .14, 9.30 p.m. MELBOURNE, November 14. fi’tie president of the Australian Labour Party lias despatched a cable to President Harding, to bo read at the Disarmament Conference: “Meetings of Australian citizens, held in many districts, carried motions urging the immediate disarmament of all tlie nations, and the •settlement of disputes by international arbitration.”