Albuquerque morning journal., 1921-12-29

ship guns to 16-inch bore and aux
iliary craft guns to eight-inch bore
but the limitation of auxiliary
ships to 10000 tons displacement
was not affirmed, the French
group expressing objection and the
point went over until tomorrow.
Frances Naval Program.
In presenting the French gov
ernment's naval program, M. Sar-
raut said that the cabinet and the
supreme council of national de-
fense in Paris had resolved to ac-
cept the reduction to 175,000
tons" of capital ships proposed by
the American group.
The conditions "of application
of this agreement would be easy of
settlement, he said, through con-
| sideration of such qualifications
''as it may be useful to introduce"
in connection with the naval holi-
day enabling powers to lay down
in 1927 ships to replace these
which have reached their twen-
tieth year of existence.
1T will likewise be easy to set
tie the question still outstanding,
he said. "of the duration of the
agreement as to limitation of capi-
tai ship tonnage"
No Concessions.
In presenting the program of
10000 tons of submarines and
100000 tons of auxiliary craft for
France, M. Sarraut said the dele
90 ef "a ~
sent to no concession on tha above
figures.
ITO sum up" he continued,
France accepts as regards CAPT
tai ships, the sacrifice which she
must face in order to meet the
views of the conference and which
represents an important reduction
of her normal sea power. She
limits the program of the future
constitution of her fleet to 100000
tons for auxiliary craft and to
10000 tons for submarines"
Secretary Hughes in reply said
he was gratified at French accept
ance of the capital ship tonnage
limitation, as capital ships were
the chief weapon of offense and
if the conference succeeded as it
seemed evident it would, in reduce
ing "in fairly satisfactory man.
ner," armaments represented in
capital ships, that alone would aid
"in establishing better basis of
lasting peace"
Hughes Disappointed.
Expressing his disappointment
with the French statement as to
submarines, Mr.. Hughes said that
If these vessels were to be availa-
BILE for defensive purposes in con-
nection with fleet movements"
they should bear some definite
proportion to the fighting fleets"
The French suggestion of 10000
tons ION any basis of a practicable
ratio" he added, would involve the
assumption that Great Britain and
the United States increase their
submarine tonnage proportionately.
This could hardly be called a
or reduction" he contin-
ued. Furthermore, IL larger
of submarines were to be |
provided, then cruisers and destroy
ers would have to be provided in |
adequate to deal with the
situation created by large subma-
rine fleet"
A Serious Question.
Mr.. Hughes said 1t was a serious |
question whether anything could be
accomplished in the way of limit
ing tonnage Of submarines and aux
iliary craft. He added that he ''did
not desire at this time and in view
Of the existing situation, to discuss
Details" of the tonnage limitations
France had proposed for herself,
but that he wished to say, that an
agreement for expansion of arma-
ment was not under consideration"
The secretary added that he did
not wish ''to distract from the i'm
1ortance of the definite acceptance
1y France of the program for capi-
al ships in what he had said as to
Mr. Balfour said that the French
tatement had profoundly disap-
pointed him." although he rejoiced
n French acceptance of the ship
alto and agreed that if nothing
lse was done, as to naval disarma-
nent, 1.-The scheme already in sight
N the Limitation of capital ships
i'd immensely relieve the burden ,
f armament on an overburdened !
,orld."
No Great Sacrifice. ,
He said he did not regard the !
'rench action as to capital ships as q
n overwhelming sacrifice" as the :
Igure of 175,000 tons would be :
Ound to mean an increase in rela- :
We strength for her. he did not be- =
rudge. The French did propose,
Q added to increase submarines
lree-fold," and he pointed out that !.
lille Frances 10000 tons in sub
lersibles would equal the fleets of !,
reat Britain and the United States :
! size, they would represent to the a
Stent of $4,000 tons submarines !.
{ a newer type" than either other =
avy possessed. This made 1t GER
in, he said, that If France carried o
1t her submarine program her Z
submarines would exceed those of u
ny other power" .
Singular Contribution. d
Coupled with the announcement o
lat the French government post y
)ned also an increase in auxiliary u
image, he said: ut must be ac- "
lowledged that this constituted II
mey1at singular contribution to
e lars of a conference called for y
of armament" He also
'inted out that the French pro-
,sed even as to the ten year capt.
ship holiday, ITO begin replacing
Fps in 1927" but added that this pl
aile it seemed to be serious in tn
rference with the proposal for a it
n years naval holiday, was only m
small part" Of the anxiety and al
appointment which the French be
ogram had created" in his mind.