The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-09-04
UNITED STATES AND
GREAT BRITAINNAVY
ACCORD IS PUZZL|NC
Status Of Reduction Steps Are
Thought Known Only to
Macdonald and Dawes
LEAGUE CIRCLES MYSTIFIED
Cruiser Strength Of Two Ma
tions Has Been Principal
Problem in Snarl

Geneva. Sept. 4.-R-P Premier
Ramsay Macdonald was asked today
to clarity his statement that only
three points were outstanding Of 20
or more to 4 complete naval reduc-
ton accord between the United States
and Great Britain.
A spokesman replied that he was
unable to do so and explained that
the premier was the only man In
England outside General Dawes. the
American ambassador, who actually
knew what WAS going on In the naval
conversations.
The premier's optimistic references
yesterday to the nearness OF q COM
plete agreement between the worlds
two great naval powers was most
mystifying to delegations Of other
countries here. and to the country
men Of the British premier them
selves.
Some French newspapers, and the
press Of other countries. have insisted
recently the conversations have not
made such progress as had been
ascribed to them. but from the pre-
mier's words. it was gathered an ac-
cord practically was on the verge Of
conclusion.
Cruisers Major Snarl
League circles speculated as to the
identity Of the three points. The sug-
gestion was heard that perhaps one
Of the three was that Of cruisers. The
cruiser strength Of the two countries
4. the principal problem confronting
naval agreement hopes and has, be-
cause Of It's difficulties. been bar
to material progress heretofore.
Another complicating factor was
the distinctly cool tone Of London
and Warrington dispatches regarding
reaction to the premier's speech yes
terday. The British press seemed to
regard with surprise the broad ex-
panse Of the prime minister's hopes.
and Of his statements on the situa-
ton. In Washington. 1t was said
here. officials intimated an agree
n1ent between the two countries was
much farther away than Mr.. Mac
Donald had intimated.
The official transcript Of Mr.. Mac
Donalds address quoted him as say
ing: Our conversations have not
yet ended but the agreement has gone
very far. We do not know quite what
form It will take and can say nothing
that would In any way hamper
President Hoover In hts work.
The British spokesman said that If
the premier mentioned and hoped for
m agreement composed Of 20 points.
he presumably had 4 reason for It.
Hoover May Know
He thought It was conceivable that
the status Of negotiations In the Uni
ted States might be known only to
President Hoover and Secretary Of
State 0timson.
Some European newsrapermcn got
the impression from the prcuier's re-
cent conference with the press that
he might so to Washington after all
- planned.
Commenting on this impression the
British Spokesman today said that
Mr.. Macdonald did not wish not to
make definite announcement that he
was certain to 50 to the United States
becausc Il affairs Of state kept him
In England at the last moment.
changed plans might cause . misun-
derstanding. creating the impressions
something had gone wrong with the
naval negotiations.
The spokesman indicated that Mr..
Macdonald preferred to leave the
question open but had nevertheless a
firm intention Of going to Washing
ton.