The Washington times., 1927-06-24
BRITISH STAND
PAT ON NAVY

Copyright, 1877. by International
News Service)
GENEVA, June 24.-Great Britain
has refused TO withdraw, or at pres
ent modify, the proposals which it
has made to the tripartite naval dis
armament conference here, regard
ing the reduction OF the size and life
of capital ships, the International
News Service learned today.
Hugh Gibson. chief American dele
gate, suggested to the Hon. w. C.
Bridgeman, chief British delegate,
that the proposals be withdrawn
since they are not within the scope
of the present conference, but Bridge
man declined to withdraw the pro-
posals. but agreed to give the Ameri.
can delegates a complete nlemoran-
dunn celebrating on the entire
scheme Of the British for reduction
of capital ship construction pro-
grams.
Great Britain always has been
most desirous of ohliging the
United States and meeting Presi-
dent Coolidge's wishes in further
ing his and the Washington Gov.
ernment's disarmament desires
Bridgen1an told Gibson. Great
Britain has been and still Ii work
ing for limitation at least, If not
reduction of ornaments.
1.-THE British government has
been of the opinion that any prop
osition to reduce or further limit
capital ships was in furtherance
of Americas peace policy"
Bridgetnan even went so far as
to threaten TO demand q plenary
session Of the conference next
Tuesday in order to force Gibson
to state fully and publicly the
American position as regards CAPT.
tai ships.
Britons Annoyed
British spokesman have made no
effort to hide their annoyance at
the manner in which their proposals
have been received by both the
United States and Japan and they
declare that the United States
delegates are introducing minor
matters and are utering sentiments
''as thin as air."
In particular the British are
offended thai the United States
has brought up the question of the
large British merchant marine and
the question of this merchant ma.
rine being readily adaptable to
fighting purposes in time of war.
Bridgeman advised Gibson that
Great Britain was willing to dis
cuss the possibilities of its Aner.
chant marine being converted into
war vessels, but he said he on
sidered such discussion useless since
in case OF war all liners and other
ships would be armed for defense
and every other purpose.
When Bridgeman's refusal TO
withdraw the capital ship proposals
had been received by the American
delegation Gibson informed the
British lord of the admiralty that
the United States is not DESTROYS
OF reducing the maximum tonnage
Of destroyers below 5000 tons.
At a meeting of the executive
committee of the Naval Limita.
tons Conference today, it was
decided to appoint Bridgeman chair
man. Decision also was reached
to form groups of naval advisors
to study the question of limitation
of cruisers. destroyers and sub
marines from a purely technical
point OF view.
Prior to the committee meeting.
the American delegation held an
hours conference at the Hotel des
Bergues. The British delegates
likewise met in brief session
with their dominion representa-.
lives.
Ship Question BrOached
The capital ship question was
preached at the committee meeting,
the British delegates maintaining
their previously announced stand.
Great Britain requested that the
matter be placed in the agenda for
discussion later.
American and Japanese delegates
insisted that the conference begin
discussion Of the limitation Of cruis-
ers, destroyers and submarines i'm
mediately. Meanwhile, the dele.
gates said. they would ask instruc-
tons from Washington and Tokyo
with regard to the capital ship con-
troversy.