SUBMARINE BOATS.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16651, 17 November 1925, Page 5

SUBMARINE BOATS.

LADY ASTOR’S CRUSADE.

AMERICAN SENTIMENT FAVOURED,

NAVAL OFFICERS DUBIOUS.

Received November 17, 9.40 a.m. WASHINGTON, Nov. 16.

Lady Astor’s declaration that the nations of the world should oombine to abolish submarines has aroused peculiar interest in the United States, particularly since various publio bodies have received intimations from England that American re-opening of this proposal would be welcomed. Popular opinion is undoubtedly supporting Lady Astor’s attitude if on no other than sentimental grounds. High naval officers here, however, oppose the step, pointing out that recent submarine disasters have created the false impression that submersible boats are death-traps, while actually they are no more dangerous than surfaoe vessels, and Japan and France would never consent to their abolition, owing to submarines’ value in war. Senator Lenroot. said he favours the step, but it would be inadvisable for the United States to act alone.

Senator Borah also approved of it; but advised the inclusion of the proposal in a general International la\V, outlawing war. There is a feeling that the time has arrived for a new disarmament conference to take up various phases 0/ these questions.

ABOLITION IMPOSSIBLE.

BRITISH ADMIRALTY’S VIEWS,

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.)} Received November 17, 8.55 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 16.

The Daily Express understands that according to the Admiralty’s views there is little likelihood of reviving the Washington proposal for the. abolition of submarines. As they arc comparatively cheap to build, and carry small crews, poor countries with large seaboards are not likely to forego them.