River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1921-12-29
Arms Conference Seeks Agree
ment on Submarines and
Light Cruisers.
FRENCH DEMANDS THE CRUx
British Want U-Boat Abolished in
Warfare--Allied Supreme CounciI
to Call for Commission on Re-
Mobilization of Central Europe
Henry Watterson Dies.
Nv EDWARD w. PIcKARD


Z, UBMARINES, light cruisers and
- torpedo boats occupied most OF
the attention of the conference dele
gates and naval experts in Washing
ton during much of the week. The way
the controversy, IL so it may be desig-
mated. developed, is interesting. First
France asked that she be allowed to
have about $4,000 tons of capital
ships, which would give her a ratio
of 3.5. She said she wanted to build
from FIVE to ten battleships, though
not at once, and supported her claim
by showing how her navy had been
neglected during the war. The other
delegates could not stand for this,
and Secretary Of State Hughes COM
municated directly with Premier Bril-
and, who was in London. In his
cahlegram Mr.. Hughes said:
81 feel that the suggestion that has
been made that France should build
ten capital ships in replacement with
a tonnage of 100000 tons or more sug-
gests a program of such magnitude as
to raise the greatest difficulties. In
fact, regret to say that after cam
wasting the matter thoroughly and
taking the best information can OBJ
tain. I am compelled to conclude that
It would not be possible on this basis
TO carry through the agreement"
BRAND at once sent instructions to
the delegation which permitted it to
recede from the demand concerning
capital ships and agree to the ratio of
1.75 fixed by the conference, so far as
vessels of that class are concerned.
But, for purposes of national defense,
the French asked special considera-
tion in the matter of submarines and
light cruisers. OF the former they
wished to be allowed 10000 tons. and
of the latter 100000 tons. This, in the
aggregate. would give France an aux
Hilary naval rating of about 3.5.
BRAND said France felt she must pro-
feet her three coasts. on the Atlantic.
the North sea and the Mediterranean,
and should have plenty of light eruis-
ers because Germany is permitted to
build ships of that type. He also in
timated that Russia might build YES
sells on the Baltic which Germany
could use against France. He vigor-
ously disclaimed any idea that there
could be hostilities between France
and Great Britain.
Great Britain still insisted ON the
total abolition Of the submarine in
warfare, and Mr.. Balfour asked that
a plenary session of the conference he
called so that he and his fellow dele
gates could make their plea for this
in public. But the British stood alone
in this contention and it was predict
ed the conference would refuse TO out
law the undersea boats. However. the
Americans showed a disposition to
compromise by accepting reduction
of the submarine tonnage allowed
Great Britain and the United States.
This as it stands. is 10000 tons. The
British asked that at least. it be cut
20 $4,000 tons. The Americans indl-
Gated they might be satisfied with a
T5,000-ton maximum. If this last fig
ure is agreed upon 1t may operate TO
reduce Frances allowance. since that
Is the tonnage she is asking.