Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1921-12-29
MINISTER URGED TO UPHOLD
NAVAL INTEREST OF FRANCE
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able to invade or seriously fmperil a su-
perior military power merely because shs
had more ships.
Suppose the almost inconceivabfe hap
pened and close allies be a ne enemies, 1t
is perfectly clear that Ia that case no
British superiority of capital ships would
imperdl the life Of France for an hour.
Now compare the position OF France
in the face of superior British surface
feet with the position Of Britain in the
face Of France with the largest subma-
rine fleet in the world She could use
that fleet if she chose for commerce de-
struction and it is difficult to believe that
in time Of stress she would not SO use it.
II Britain were unarmed against subma-
rines it was evident that France, using
that felonious weapon, could destroy her
very existence"
Mr. Balfour said NJ Sarcaut had talked
Of the absolute necessity for France Of
possessing a fleet of $4,000 tons of SUBJ
marines.
For what purpose?" ne continued.
Not to cooperate with a fleet of LIE, 900
| tons Of capital ships. It was altogether
! out of proportion. What did he want
| the 10000 IONS Of submarines for?"
| Submarines were powerful weapon
| for one purpose only, the destruction OF
| commerce, Mr.. Balfour said. and added
| "It is not understandable that Great
| Britain. when threatened by establish
| ment within a few miles Of her coast of O
vast feet OF submarines which were of nc
use except to destroy commerce should
say candidly she could not look with in.
| difference upon the situation that would
thus be created"
! That ended discussion Of the submarin,
| question.
In presenting the French government'i
naval program, M Sarraut said that tn.
cabinet and the supreme council of ma
tional defense in Paris had resolved t,
accept the reduction to $4,000 tons O
capital ships proposed by the American
group. The conditions "of application
Of this agreement would be easy of set
Element, he said. through consideration o
such qualifications 'as it may be Isefu
to introduce" in connection with tn
naval holiday enabling powers to Ia,
down in 1927 ships to replace those whicl
have reached their twentieth year Of ex
istence. y
!, "It will likewise be easy to settle tn
question stfli outstanding" he said, 80
the duration Of the agreement as to lin
itation Of capital ship tonnage"
| In presenting the program OIL ~, 90
, tons Of subna rines and $4,000 tons c
auxiliary craft for France. NJ. sarrar
said the delegation has been insAructe
to consent to no concession on the abov
figures"
ITO sum up" M. Sarraut continued
France accepts as regards capital ship
the sacrifices which she must face in OF
|, der to meet the views Of the conferenc
: and which represents an important redn
ton OF her nominal sea power. She lin
! its the program of the future constitute
y Of her feet to- $50 900 tons for auxiliar
: craft and to 10000 tons for submarines
Secretary Hughes in reply said he ws
: gratified at French acceptance of tt
!: capital ship tonnage limitation, as cap
! tai ships were the chief weapons of o
tense, and if the conference succeeded
it seemed evident it woisld in reducir
Sin a fairly satisfactory manner ARM
q nents represented in capital ships. tn
!. alone would aid ''in establishing a bett
4 basis Of lasting peace
Expressing his disappointment with Il