Pueblo chieftain., 1921-12-20
NATIONS EXACT
ATTITUDE net
YET CLARIFIED
Delegates Do Not Construe
Brands Message As
Accepting Ratio

Washington. D. c., Dec. 19.-(By The
' Associated Press )-Frauce has taken
steps to reconcile her views on the
naval ratio problem with those OF tho
other powers but her precise attitude
now the crucial issue of the arms
egotiations-remains in doubt.
unofficial adyices from abroad today
indicated Premier BRAND had decided
to accept tho American proposal for
a French capital ship fleet OF 10000
tons in place of the $4,000 ton plan
drawn by the French delegation.
Secretary Hughes as chairman OF the
arms conference also received from
the premier. a communication constru-
cd at the state department as meaning
that the French group had been direct
ed to accede to the American program.
But the French delegates did not SO
construe a long message of fnstruc-
tions received from the premier. They
described it as advising them to go
as far toward meeting the American
views as they could without sacrifice
of French national interests. 1t was
said not to embody a specific decision
not to make reference to any spe-
ctfic tonnage plan. %
| With the negotiations in the stua-
tlon Mr.. Hughes and Albert Sarraut,
head of the French delegation held
long conference late today. 1t was
said only that the conversations wero
proceeding and that there was a mu-
tual expectation Of ultimate agree
ment.
| In othar quarters also there was ap-
parent distinct note of optimism de-
spite the days shystifying develop
ments. Among American officials. an
almost unanimous belief prevailed that
American figure for her capital ship
allotment. even tho she insisted on An
increase of submarine tonnage as an
offset.
For the moment the negotiations nre
concerned solely with capital ships
and to many delegates five power
agreement on that subject does not
seem far away.
1t is pointed out by the Americana
that even an effort by tho French to
ADOPT conciliatory attitude toward
the views OF the United States may be
regarded rs n long step toward set
ticmcnt.
Tho American position has becn that
ratios should he adjusted on the basis
OF existing strength while tho $50 900
ton proposal OF tho French was pre-
dicted on tho principle OF national
needs. So IL tho French premier has
done nothing more than approve tho
American status quo he has done \
great deal in the opinion of American
officials toward final agreement.
Tho message to Secretary Hughes
was sequel to last nightu conference
between NJ. BRAND and Ambassador
Harvey at London which press reports
say resulted in the premicr's accept.
ance OF tho America, pan.
Today there were signs that tho sit
uaiion might develop further ROM
plications because OF tn" direct mcth-
DDS OF negotiations adopted by Mr..
Hughes. but the apprehension OF the
French delegates appeared to bc quiet
cd when II was explained that the
secretary had acted MS chairman OF
the conference and had addressed NJ.
BRAND as head OF the French dcicga-
ton.
Tho dciicacy OF the position in which
the French delegates found themselves
was increased by announcement OF tho
result of the London conference in
press dispatches which came ahead
OF the premier's instructions. In this
furry n, delegation headquarters somo
lesser French officials talked OF tho
possibility Of cabinet crisis in
France. should it prove true that NJ.
BRAND had suddenly thrown over the
$50 600 ton plan for which his repre-
sentativcs here were stoutly contend-
Ing.
Delegates would not 60 into details
regarding the prcmicr's message. but
there were indications that they had
not found II distBsteful. II was de-
ciarcd to he rather in tho nature OF
counsel and advice than a mandate.
and was said to leave tho real de-
risicn to those on tho ground here.
Whether the 100000 plan is to be press
cd again when the committee of fifteen
assemblies tomorrow was not revealed,
There were many indications that with
any recession on the capital ship qucs-
,ion. the French would attempt to as
sociatc some form of assurance that
they will lie given the privilege of
increasing their submarine strength.
There is no tendency to link tho two
into one formal agreement. but II Is
apparent that the French want II made
clear that whatever ratio they accept
Tor capital ships is settled. presents
to auxiliary craft.
II Is not improbable that tho French
representatives a1so will want such a
modification of the naval holiday plan
obsoiescent hattleships with vessels
they can build them Within the spcri.
fled tonnage limit. Because Of tho
war the French naval experts declare
their fleet ia badly in need OF replace
mcn,s.
y replacement provision would not
he a surprise in the final French prp.
gram accepted by the other powers.
The submarine problem which is 10
he taken up when the five power ratio
for sapital ships Ia settled. presents
increasing complications.
Great Britain wants 10 abolish the
submarine and has asked 10 present
her case against 1t at a public session
OF the conference. There il no expecta-
tiou even by tho British. however. that
they VIII carry the point but they do