The New York herald., 1921-12-18
FRANCE ASKS NOBIG
NAVY,SAYS SARRAUT
Hints Nation Is Prepared TO
Rely on Submarines for
Defense.
EXPLAINS HIS POSITION
EXPLAINS HIS POSITION
Figures by Experts Indicate
Desire for 100000 Tons in
Capital Ships.
Special Dispatch TO THE NEW YORK HERALD.

Special Dispatch to THE New YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. C.. Dec. II.
Although the head of the French
delegation, NJ. Albert Sarraut, tonight
stated the general viewpoint of France
in connection with the dispute over
the allotment of tonnage to be given
to France and Italy under the Hughes
naval limitation plan, he declined to
mention figures.
He said. nevertheless, that any fig
ures SO far given obviously were sub
ject to alteration after discussion.
France. he says, is open to correction
on the naval issue and the discussion
now in progress will be the means of
arriving at an agreement satisfactory
to everybody.
Minimum of 2sO,OOO Tons.
From various sources, however, 1t is
possible 20 make an estimate OF
Frances real naval claims. NJ. BRAND.
when he was here. said France wanted
eight capital ships. She had no imme-
date intention OF building them, but
wanted TO have the right OF adding one
to her present seven IN order tc conl-
plete the squadron.
She will want the right gradually to
replace her old vessels by new ones
of a modern type in keeping with those
which other nations also will build for
the purpose of replacement. In order
eventually to have eight ships of 5000
tons each France therefore will want to
be allowed in principle capital ton
mage or at least $4,000.
On the other hand France considers
that If she reduces her capital ship ton
mage as low as $4,000 the difference
between her position and that OF Japan
should be made up BY an additional
quota OF submarines. According to au-
thoritative data the amount of subma-
rine tonnage which France Is prepared
to accept is 1000.
In other words, It may be anticipated
with fair chance of accuracy that the
French viii be satisfied with the fol-
lowing tonnage: $4,000 In capital ships,
10000 as her ratio OF submarines and
5000 additional tons in submarine craft
10 make her ratio at least equal to that
OF Japan.
Would Depend on Submarines.
As NJ. Sarraut said tonight, however.
France has neither the wish nor the in
tention of building her allotment OF
battleships. She has no money at pres
ent to spend on these giants and intends
almost entirely to insure her defense by
means of submarines. In this her naval
experts advise her that $4,000 tons will
BE- necessary, and despite all statements
90 the contrary France hasn't the money
or the desire to do anything but con-
centrate on submarines and light crui-
sers In the coming years.
Previous to the late war France built
torpedo boats because these we're the
cheapest form OF defense. Now she In
tends TO construct submarines. AS M.
s;aTaut said this evening: I'm point OF
fact. France of her own accord scrapped
her expensive navy before the Washing
ton conference was thought Of
Speaking this evening to THE NEW
York HERALD, M. Ssrraut said:
To-day at the conference 7 exposed
the French point of view at some length.
Objections viii doubtless be raised to
the French thesis which I put forward
but that is to be expected We must
Inevitably expect opposition and the
whole polrt OF the discussion now going
on Is TO find basis on which we can
come to an agreement.
II consider myself still bound TO say
nothing of what happened at the com
mittce meeting, but / am aware that
certain reports in the press have
aroused good deal OF emotion. There
is really no reason for this because the
whole question is only at it's beginning.
1t Is still In the discussion stage.
I'VE came here with tine most frank
and loyal intentions. We want 10 col
laborate in the work of peace at Wash
ington In which America has taken the
initiative and which Is primarily con-
cerned with naval reductions.
"Well. we arc now discussing this
question with the object of finding out
what can be done First came the turn
OF tho three great naval Powers; now
!, is ours. The first three Powers took
ContIuucd nm pa1o Tnantx