Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-11-22
PROGRESS IS
INDICATED ON
NAVAL LIMITS
big Three" of Arms Lirni-
tation Hold Conference
On Reduction
(By The Associated Press.)

Washington. Nov. 21.-There was
strong indication today that definite
progress toward an agreement on Am
erican proposals for naval reduction
and limitation was being made. al
though no definite action was taken.
The big three" of the arms limita-
ton conference, Secretary Hughes. Ar
thur ]. Balfour and Admiral Baron
kato, met in Mr.. Hughes office. Each
was aided by the chief naval experts
of each power, but SO far as could
be learned the discussion did not get
beyond talk over figures as to ton-
mage and other matters in the Ameri-
car plan.
The fact that the experts had made
such progress as to award the formal
meeting to the heads OF the three dele
kgations chiefly concerned in the naval
program was regarded as significant,
however. and foreshadowing some
early conclusion.
Further Particulars Received
There was evident that during the
conference, the American experts were
asked for n also received furthr
particulars a. to tho American pro-
posals. Mr.. Hughes, Mr.. Balfour and
Baron Kato were compelled to leave
for the Far Eastern conference before
the experts were ready to separate,
but it appeared probable that there
would be a further meeting tomor-
row when the additional data present
ed today had been received. ,
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, presi-
dent of the subcommittee of naval
experts, Admiral Coontz and Rear Ad-
miral Pratt. chief American advisers,
went at once to the navy department
on leaving Secretary Hughes office
n work started Immediately on get
ting up data requested Of the Ameri-
can group. The nature of this ma
terial was not disclosed.
There is no indication that any
change in the American proposed
five five three ratio of fleet strength
will be considered by the American
the American proposal would not ap-
ply for ten ear or until requirements
begin at Nthe end of the ten year
building holiday.
American Opinion Firm
American naval opinion does not
easily accept any suggestion that ad-
ditional ships to those proposed in
Mr.. Hughes plan be retained by any
power. That was chased upon the
fleets as they were on Nov. IL as the
zero" hour for application Of a cut
and decade of building. The Japa-
nese commended. it is understood. that
IA1C UdlIlCSIilp NluIou pIOpOSCu " NC
strapped, was actually 80 nearly fin
%scrapping, was actually SO nearly a
finished ship on that date that she
should be retained. In hat event
it seemed highly probable the United
States would retain one or two of the
new battleships now afloau but which
she has offered to scrap. The point has
not been threshed out yet by the ex-
perts. however, nor has Japan def
| Hitely committed hereelf il in held
to the five-five-three replacement
ratio.
Other. Plans Discussed
Other phases OF the American pro.
gram we're under discussion today. :
Representatives were understood tt
have been made by British and Japa,
nese experts as to the effect thu
American plan would have in connec
ton with the obsolescence Of ship,
during the ten yea period, the ship,
eacH navy would be in at chat time
and other highly technical institu'
tons which the experts alone can ap'
preciate and. understand. It was sale
In some quarters that the American
group admitted tina all of these con
siderations were not fully reviewed
In shaping the proposal. The stud.
now is in progress along several line,
by all experts.
In any case, however, the British
j have given unqualified endorsement
according to authorized British spekes
men to the fundamental principle, o
1.-The first point
the American plan, the "five-five
three ratio and settlement Of thi
Il vital first point awaits Japan's fina
answer. American opinion : regard
other. matters a. routine to the iarg'
extent.