The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-12-16
British Conference Delegates
Demand Total Abolition.
Americans Decidedly in OppOsi-
tiOn to New Proposal.
FRANCE ADDS TO DISCORD
Wants Equality With Japan in
Naval Ratio.
Italy Satisfied and VIII Agree
to 5-5-S-2-2 Plan.

Washi~--on. Dec 16.-Before the
"big three" powers had hardly done
congratulating themselves today on
the amicabIe adjustment Of the 5-5-3
naval ratio question, fresh complica-
tons were threatened over the ques-
tion of Frances ratio.
An official spokesman for the Brit
ish delegation was authority for the
statement this morning that France
has served notice on the powers that
France intends to build ten super
dreadnaughts in the ten years subse-
quent to 1925.
1t was also announced officially by
the British spokesman that a. J. Bal
four. as head of the British delegation,
will formally propose to the five great
powers the complete abolition of sub
marines,
L. S. to Fight for Subs.
1t can be stated that the abolition
OF the submarine will be strenuously
opposed by the American, French,
Italian and possibly Japanese delega-
tions. 1t was predicted the British
proposal would fail, altho it might re-
suit in a lowering of the submarine
tonnage allotted in the original Hughes
program.
The announcement of Frances in
tentions-cOming as it did from Brit
ish pokesman-Occasione great sur
prise in conference circles.
The French declined either to deny
or affairn the statement made by
the British spokesman.
The French did not conceal their
displeasure, however, over the an
nouncement made in their behalf by
the British spokesman.
1t was evident that there is con-
siderable feeling between the British
and French delegations over the mat
ter of naval ratio.
May Upset All Plans.
If carried out, the French plan
would throw the whole Hughes naval
holiday out of gear. and necessitate
each of the powers doing considerable
construction before 1885.
Great Britain's spokesman made it
clear that the British will strenuously
oppose Frances reported naval as
pirations ard there was no attempt to
conceal British displeasure over the
turn of events.
The British spokesman pointed out
that should France and Italy each
construct ten battleships of $4,000
tons each during the next ten years.
it would give them a combined
strength of 2OO,0 tons in excess of
either Great Britain or the United
States. This tonnage, It was made
plain. is regarded by the British as
altogether out of proportion to
Frances needs.
It was also emphasized that such
program would involve the expendi-
ture of some SS0O,000,00 at a time
when both countries are in no condi-
ton to stand the strain.
Are Speeding Work.
Of
out of Washington by New Years. the
heads of delegations, assisted by their
experts, plunged back into the naval
discussion today with speed their main
object.
Secret meetings of the big three"
gave way to the equally secret meet
ings of the committee on limitation of
naval armament, comprising fifteen
men, three from each of the five pow
ers as follows:
United States - Secretary Hughes,
Theodore Roosevelt, Admiral Robert
L. Coontz
eat Britain-A. J. Balfour. Lord
il and Admiral Chatfield.
y yapan-Baron Kato, Vice Admiral
llato. ana Captain Suyetsugu
France-M- Sarraut, NJ. Jusserand
and Admiral De Bon.
Italy-Senator Schanzer, NJ AIber-
TIM and Admiral Acton
Italy has no specific demands in the
way of naval strength, other than that
her navy shall be equal to that of
France. Italy's position as a Mediter-
ranean power. makes this necessary,
her spokesmen assert.
Italy Not Hard to Please.
Italy would be satisfied with a naval
ratio of 5-5-3-2-2, the last two figures
representing French and Italian
strength. To realize even this ratio
would necessitate some building which,
in view of Italys economic condition.
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