Imperial Valley press., 1927-02-10
COOLIDGE
NEW PACT
Tells Congress of Action
In Inviting Powers to
Discuss Limitations.
OUTLINES POLICY
Declares Basis For More
Curtailment Is Offered
by Washington Treaty.
BY United Press Leased Wire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1O.-Presi-
dent Coolidge today proposed to tho
governments of Great Britain,
France, Italy and Japan that limita-
tions Of cruisers, destroyers and SUBJ
marines be discussed at the forth
coming Geneva disarmament meet
ing.
The president sent to cnogress q
message announcing presenting of
his proposal to the powers, through
the American ambassadors to the
nations involved
Cruisers, destroyers and submar.
ines were not limited by agreements
reached at the Washington disarm-
ament conference in 1922.
The president said.
Pursuant to my instructions, the
American ambassadors at Paris,
Rome and Toxic will today present
to the governments of Great Britain,
France, Italy and Japan a memo
randum suggesting that they EN-.
power their delegates at the forth
coming meeting of the preparatory
commission for the disarmament
conference at Geneva to negotiate
and conclude at an early date an
agreement further limiting naval
armaments, supplementing the
Washington treaty on that subject
and covering the classes of vessels
not covered by that treaty."
In setting forth this government 3
policy regarding the proposed arms
limitations, the memorandum to for
eign governments, enclosed in the
presidents message to congress-
said:
"The Washington government
feels that the general principle OF
the Washington treaty offers a suit.
able basis for further discussion
among its signatories.
Would Extend Ratio
Although hesitating at this time
to put forward recent rigid propos-
ais as regards the ratios of naval
strength to be maintained by the
different powers, the American gov
ernment for its part, is disposed to
accept, in regard to this class of ves-
sells, not covered by the Washington
treaty, an extension of the 5-5-3
ratio as regards the United States,
Great Britain, Japan and to leave
to discussion at Geneva the ratios
of France and Italy, taking into full
account their special condition and
requirements in regard to the type
of vessels in question.
"Ratio for capital ships and air.
craft carriers were established by
that treaty which would not be eff
fected in any way by an agreement
covering other classes of ships.
"The American representatives
at the forthcoming meeting at Ge-
neva will, of course, participate
fully in the discussion looking to
the preparation of an agenda for a
final general conference for the linn
itation of ornaments. In addition,
they will have full powers to nego-
tiate definitely regarding measures
for further naval limitations and il
they are able to reach agreement
with the representatives of the 9th
er signatories of the Washington
treaty, to conclude a convention en-
DOuy ing SucH dSrteiHeHl, III leHta-
tive or final form, as may be found
practicable.
"The American government earn
estlv hopes that the institution of
such negotiations at Geneva may be
agreeable to the governments of the
British Empire, France, Italy and
Japan and that comprehensive limi-
tation of all types of naval arma-
ments may be brought into effect
by the principal naval powers with
ont de1oV' -