NAVAL DISARMAMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17839, 11 October 1929, Page 7

NAVAL DISARMAMENT.

A JOINT STATEMENT.

“WAR UNTHINKABLE.” THE NATIONAL POLICY. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 9. A joint statement, issued by Mr Hoover and Mr MacDonald, stated: — “ Our conversations have been largely confined to the mutual relations between our two countries in the light of the situation created by the signing of the Kellogg Pact. Therefore, in a new and reinforced sense, our two Governments not only declare that war between them is unthinkable, but that the distrust and suspicion which arose from the doubts and fears, which may have been justified before the Kellogg Pact, must now cease to influence our national policy. “ Active consideration by our two countries of the problems is now to be taken up in a manner similar to that followed during the naval negotiations in London between Mr MacDonald and Mr C. G. Dawes, United States Ambassador to Britain. Through the continuation of our candid conversations on the naval problem

we predict that mutual understandings will be reached which will make possible an agreement at the Five Powers Naval Conference In January. We hope the steps we have taken to secure peace will be welcomed by the peoples whom we represent.” Disappointment Expressed. There is no escaping the feeling that the joint statement issued by Messrs MacDonald and Hoover is disappointing to those who had reason to expect that it would give in fairly definite terms the topics discussed. It is known that originally the statement was much longer but was cut down after consultation, specific information being deleted. This was done for obvious political reasons. It is understood that Messrs MacDonald and Hoover also considered the question of Allied debts, but it is believed that it was more in the nature of an academic consideration. It is also believed the two leaders concluded that the question of the freedom of the seas would find its solution in the Kellogg Pact. The world may expect the enunciation of a new doctrine concerning the rights of neutral shipping in lime of war which will take account of the sensibilities of both nations with respect to their traditional policies.

Aohleved More Than Hoped For. In an interview Mr MacDonald said he had achieved more than ■he had hoped to do in his talks with Mr Hoover. They had agreed to keep the Kellogg Pact in front of them to use for the purpose of coming to an agreement on subjects whicn had defied agreement up to now. In consequence, Mr MacDonald said, he would take back to London a series of questions, all of which now would be the subject of study by the various departments concerned, and of consideration between the Dominions and the British Government, with the object of coining to an agreement upon them. Mr W. E. Borah, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate, who is a vigorous advocate ot the freedom of the seas, said he had enjoyed a very satisfactory talk with Mr MacDonald at the British Embassy.

BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. MARKS A STEP FORWARD. (Bi' Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Official wireless.) RUGBY, Oot. 9. Britain's invitations to the United States, France, Italy and Japan to send representatives to the Five Powers Naval Conference to be held in London in January are generally described in the English press as marking a further step forward.