The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-12-23
BRITONS FIGHTING
FOR CUT IN SUBS
DISRUPT PARLEY
Plans for Early Adjournment of
Conference Delayed.
Forced to FOregO Abolition De-
mand British Ask Cut.
FRANCE DEFINITELY ACCEPTS
Reduction in Undersea Tonnage
VIII Hit L. S.
Recess for Holidays To Be De-
cided Upon Today.
Forced to FOregO Abolition De-
mand British Ask Cut.
DEFINITELY ACCEPTS
Reduction in UnderSea Tonnage
Will Hit L. S.
Recess for Holidays To Be De-
cided Upon Today.

=
Premier BRAND has sent Ambassador
Jusserand in Washington final and
definite acceptance of the capital ship
ratio. France, however, it is stated,
maintains her position regarding sub
marines and coast defense ships, al
tho she is willing to negotiate.
France insists that her demands are
vitally necessary to her security, it is
indicated, but is disposed to cooperate
with the United States as far as pos
sible.
Washington, Dec 23.-The arma-
ment session swung towards the
Christmas recess today with the much
feared submarine still the bone of
contention among the various delega-
tions
Having already lost their fight for,
the total abolition of the submarine as
a recognized agency of warfare, the
British delegates are now expected to
turn their efforts towards obtaining a
substantial reduction of the tonnage
allotments in undersea craft proposed
by Secretary of State Hughes in his
original cductiOn program.
Want Sub Tonnage Cut.
The British consider 10000 tons of
submarines for themselves and the
United States and $4,000 tons for the
Japanere far too high. At least half
TINS IlBuEet OF 49,UUU IOIlSt WIFI cor
responding reductions for Japan and
France and Italy, is sufficient, the
British experts believe.
Here again, according to the opin-
ions put forward today in other dele
cations. the British are doomed to de-
feat. The American experts who
framed the limitation program pro-
nOunced by Secretary of State Hughes
nearly six weeks ago are dead against
any reduction from the 10000 tons
proposed and the nations having small |
Ter tonnage allotments - Japan,
France and Italy-are loath to re-
linquish to any appreciabIe degree the
chief offset to British naval prepon-
derance on the seven seas of the
world.
Concessions To Be Small.
It was generally admitted in au-
thoritative quarters today that some
slight concessions may be obtained by
Great Britain in the matter of subma-
rine tonnage but they will be of such
small dimension as to leave unaffect-
ed the undersea strength of the other
powers.
today between the British and Ameri-
can experts as to the submarine
strength Of the five great powers par
ticipating in the naval discussions.
According to American figures - on
which the Hughes program was based
tons of submarines; Great Britain, S2.-
464; France, 42,S5O; Japan, 1,4O0, |
and Italy. 2O,228.
If these figures are correct, the
United States will have to scrap 5000 |
tons to get down to the 10000 ton
figure. while the other nations will ,
have to build slightly to come up to
the Hughes program.
The Figures Differ.
The British figures are radically diff |
ferent. They SOW the United States |
with S2.500 tons: Great Britain So, |
500; Japan $4,000; France 28,3O0, and |
Italy $500 Under these figures, ali |
of the nations would be permitted to |
build slightly if the Hughes program |
is adopted.
1t will be necessary for the British |
and American experts to get together |
and reconcile their figures before any |
final agreement can be reached. They |
began comparing notes today to find |
wherein the difference lies.
1t was hoped by the conference |
leaders this morning that when the |
session is resumed in the Pan Amer |
lean building this afternoon the |
French delegates will be prepared 10 /
present exact figures of their require !
ments of submarines. light cruisers |
and torpedo craft. The presentation |
of the French program was begun /
yesterday by NJ Sarraut, but had to |
be halted because of the figures upon !
which France rests her case had not !
arrived from Paris.
Decide Xmas Recess.
The question of the Christmas re- /
cess also will be decided at the meet |
ing late today. Upon the progress !
made will depend whether the powers |
will meet again tomorrow or adjourn |
over until next Tuesday. There is a |
general sentiment among some. of thu |
foreign delegates to adjourn, as they
want to leave Washington for the |
holiday to visit elsewhere.
In connection with the delay in pre-
sentatiOn of the French auxiliary tol-
mage figures, considerable significance (
was attached today to foreign news !
saying that NJ. BRAND felt |
he must consult with the French cabi-
net before making definite answer Co
message from washington.