The New York herald., 1921-12-29

OF the subjects on the Far Eastern
agenda- While no definite suggestion
has been advanced as TO the probable
date of final adjournment the Ameri-
can and British delegates believe il
win come within the next two weeks
The French delegation closed the
door OF the conference on the sub
marine issue with bang that startled
even the most optimistic officials OF
this and other Governments repre-
sented in the conference who per-
sisted in the hope that a compromise
might be possible. That hope was
ruthlessly shattered to-day by NJ
Sarraut and Admiral de Bon. who
communicated TO the conference COM
mittee on the limitation OF sea arma-
ments the final decision of their Gov
ernment
The French reply to the appeal OF
Secretary Hughes to Premier BRAND
that the French Government accept
the allotment of auxiliary craft and
submarines favored by this and most
of the other Governments represented
in the conference was positive and
conclusive. II was admitted to leave
no room for compromise.
Instead of consenting TO accept the
$1,000 tons OF submarines allocated to
II under the revised Hughes plan the
French delegates informed their as
sociates in The conference committee
that their Government would not
agree 10 an allotment of less than 80.
600 tons OF submarines
The action OF the French delegates
was followed by that of Japan. who
declared that $4,000 tons of subma-
rines and $50 900 tons of other auxil-
iary craft was the minimum they
could accept. The Japanese delegates
in presenting their claims expressed
an earnest desire to go along with the
United States In the matter of sub
marine limitation. but ventured the
opinion that an agreement could not
be reached because of the attitude of
other Powers-meaning France.
Agreeable Preface.
The French delegates prefaced the
Communication Of the bad news
telegra phed from Paris regarding sub
marines with much more agreeable
one. Tt was that their Government
had accepted the capital ship ratio of
5-5-3-1.75-1.75 for the United States
Great Britain. Japan, France and
Italy. respectively. They accompanied
the good news with two minor reser-
vations. One of these related to the
s duration of the ten year naval holiday
and the other to requirements, neither
OF which is regarded as difficult of
i Accomplishment by the other Powers.
> The French delegates made It per-
fectly clear at the outset of the first
of the two sessions OF the sea arma-
ments committee to-day that their IN
structions were of the most arbitrary
character. NJ. Sarraut, IN replying to
a question in advance OF the session,
declared the only hope for an agree
ment on the American naval program
as a whole depended on the acceptance
of the French proposals. This was
equivalent TO saying there was no
hope, because Secretary Hughes, Mr..
Balfour. Baron Kato and Senator
Schanzer, on behalf of their govern
ments. frankly expressed their opposi-
ton to the French position.
The French rejection of the subma-
: rine plan proposed by this Government
was taken up at the very outset of the
committee session. After M. Sarraut
had presented II Secretary Hughes,
while expressing his qualification at
the willingness of the French Gov
eminent to limit the tonnage OF their
capital ships to the amount provided
in the agreement by this country
Great Britain and Japan, confessed
that he was disappointed with the
French statement concerning subnaa-
rines and auxiliary craft.
Irreconcilable Claims.
without criticising the French at
titude, he pointed out the impractical
bility of allowing the French auxiliary
claims If the capital ratios were to be
upheld. He said in conclusion that he
hid not wish in any way to detract
rom the importance of the definite ac-
ceptance by France of the program for
capital ships.
Mr.. Balfour frankly declared tina;
the French statement profoundly dis
appointed him." although he rejoiced
at the acceptance Of the capital shiE
ratio. He pointed out that the French
poPOSot as ~ SupNldTlHeS llVOiNeC
not the limitation of armamente. but q
threefold increase in the number OF
submarines demanded by France.
cit must be acknowledged" said Mr.
Balfour. that this makes a some
what singular contribution to the
iahors OF the conference called for the
diminution OF armaments."
Mr.. Balfour also said the pleasure
derived by him from the French agree.
-nent In regard to the Limitation o,
capital ships was subject to a quail.
fication that seemed To involve a seri.
GUS interference with the proposal fol
4 ten year naval holiday. He also
dwelt on the effect which the French
declaration of naval policy must in.
evitably produce on British opinion.
Regarded as Menace to Britain.
He said It was perfectly clear tna'
"ff at our very gates "A fleet os 90. 0O(
tens of submarines was to be con.
structed no limitation OF any kind o.
auxiliary vessels capable of dealing
with submarines should be permitted
by the Government which I represent
Public notice has now been given ir
the most formal manner that this
great fleet was to be built on The
shores nearest Britain and X woulc
necessarily be a very great menace t.
her.