Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-07-31
creased burdens on the taxpayers of
the three leading naval powers.
L. S. View Well Defined.

creased burdens on the taxpayers of
the three leading naval powers.
L. S. View Well Defined.
The viewpoint of the American Gov.
eminent on the latest British pro-
posal as regards cruisers and sub
marines is now very well defined. 1t
is that not only are the British per-
sisting toward a cruiser expansion
program, but are insisting upon
sharply limiting the type of craft best
suited to the geographical require
ments Of the United States, the 10000
ton craft with a wide cruising radius.
Introduction of the 600-ton subma-
rine into the discussions also has met
with disapproval in naval circles.
where it is held that the country's long
coast line, distant island possessions
and lack of bases make the small
tonnage submarine Of little value to
this country. Some naval opinion is
that Great Britain would establish the
6,000-ton cruiser with 6.inch guns as
the standard. and therefore could
achieve supremacy of the seas by
mounting similar guns on the 40 mer-
chant ships Of Is knots or better,
which are designed as naval auXili-
aries.
Limitation of tonnage and sizes of
all fighting craft had its inception at
the Washington conference in 1921.
An agreement there was not obtained
after France declined to discuss sub
marine limitation and the British in
turn then declined to consider linita-
ton of anti.submarine weapons, the
destroyer and the cruiser.
Frequent Soundings Unfavorable.
From time to time after that con-
ference soundingS were taken on the
possibility OF reaching an agreement,
but the responses were regarded as
unfavorable. Meantime, both Great
Britain and Japan began building
large cruisers with the British appar-
emily contemplating an extensive pro-
gram.
The United States adopted a pro-
gram calling for eight 10,000-ton craft
and then followed the insistent de-
mand in the last Congress that this
country go ahead with this type. Con
gress, after a stirring fight, appro.
priated initial construction funds for
two of the cruisers over the objection
Of President Coolidge, who, at that
time hoped for an agreement from
the League Of Nations conference at
Geneva.
After it became apparent that the
League attempt would fail, President
Coolidge invited Great Britain, Japan,
France and Italy, signatories of the
Washington agreement, to meet at
Geneva in an effort to carry, forward
the limitation of naval armament be-
gun here in 1921.
France declined to participate, as
a inn = q
~ and Great Britain did likewise.
Then there followed a sounding out
process to see if the three chief naval
powers We're ready to agree on limita-
ton of smaller craft tonnage. 1t de.
vcloped that they were and formal in
vitations to the Geneva conference
were issued.
Extension of Treaty Sought.
The American proposal to the con
ference was one, for extending the
| ratios Of the Washington treaty to all
| classes of ships with a reduced scale
| Of tonnage so that naval building com
| petition would cease and the burden
| on all three countries would be
| lightened.
The Japanese were in general ac
cord with this proposal but the Brit
| ish replied that because Of geo.
| graphical locations and extensive sea
trade lanes they would have TO have
something like 10 cruisers. This
would have meant a great building
| program for both the United States
and Japan 10 maintain their relative
| strength in this type of craft.
For that reason, among others, the
| British proposal was unacceptable Il
the United States and then the British
| countered with a new proposition tina,
| IS definitely declared TO be wholly un
acceptable TO the American Govern
|