Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-12-20
French Viewpoint
(Continued from Paue a..


Continued from Page on.s
tiations adopted by Mr.. Hughes
the apprehension Of the French
gates appeared to be Quoted N
it was explained at the state da,|
ment that the secretary had art,
his capacity as chairman of TN. \
ference and had addressed NJ. M
in his capacity as head of the n
delegation.
The delicacy Of the positH2<
which the French deleg gates r
themselves was further increas15l
anxiety at the results of the ~
conference in press dispatches
reached Washington ahead ~
premier's message of instruction.
the furry at delegation headou,,.
some lesser French officials AM
of the possibility of a cabinet c~l
in France should it prove truA \,
M. BRAND had suddenly thrown Il
the $4,000 ton plan for which
representatives here were s,on|
contending.
Members of the delegation vo!
not go into details regardr,
message they subsequently recs,l
from the premier, but there wera
dications that they had not found
distasteful. 1t was declared IA
rather in the nature of counsel i
advice than q mandate, and was d
to leave the real decision to III
who are on the ground in Wasb1
ton. Whether the $4,000 ton n
is to be pressed again, when !
committee of Is assemblies tomor]
was not revealed.
There were many indications n
with any recession on the cam
ship question the French would |
tempt to associate some form ot !
surance that they will be given 4
privilege of increasing their subm
inc strength. There is no tende-
to link the two into one formal agrl
ment, but is apparent the Fren
want it made perfectly clear N
whatever ratio they accent for cal
tai ships shall not apply also TO an
liary craft.
1t is not improbable that :
French representative also wilIw
such a modification of the ia |
holiday plan as will permit them
replace their present obsolesI
battlcships with the vessels Of N
Post-Jutland type so far as they :
build them within the specified 4
mage limit. Because of the war. !
French naval experts declare m
fleet is badly in need of repla
ments, and there seems to be no y
position to dispute that claim. \
placement provision would not b
surprise in the final French progr1
by the other powers. =
The problem of submarines MI
is to be taken up as soon as the II
power ratio for capital ships IS
tied. presents increasing comp
tions. Great Britain wants TO abol
the submarine and has asked for
privilege of presenting hc: d
against it at a public session Of !
conference. There is no eXpects3
even by the British themselves how
or. that they will carry tho pdint }
they do hope to cut in half the sud
rine tonnage tentatively suggested
the United States, Great Britain B
Japan in the American reduction
Under this plan Great Britain wt.
have 10000 tons in submarine
United States $4,000 and Japan ~
Figuring out the ratio on the 81
basis, a 17J,000-ton capital fleet ;
France would allow her 4 su5m2(
tonnage of 10000 tons. That wj
be very far below the figure !
French desire, especially II hey
to accept the American figures on
ital ships. The British desire 10 ,
strict closely submarine constwe
is said to rest not only on c7nst}
ations of humanity, but ON pr:nc@
of national defense. Submarines
reached a perfection which ma
them really effective only in nard
waters such as those through vi
Great Britain has to convey, her .
supply. When used against mercai
men, the underwater craft also COZ
tutes menace to the maritime natN
of which Great Britain is the most
fluential.
In the view Of the American
French naval experts. however,
perhaps those also of Italy and ia
the activities of the subm2
against merchant shipping can be
tailed by an agreement on n Va
of warfare, leaving only purely 2