Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-30
TROUBLE FORESEEN
FOR WORLD RADIO
Capt. Hooper Of U. s. Navy Points
Out Interference Is
Inevitable.

The newest Of the radio communica-
ton highways-the high-frequency band
is crammed full and the inevitable
aftermath will be interference.
Every new transmitter that takes the air
from now on must squeeze in between
operating circuits and with 1t cause dis
tortion Of the signal on the neighboring
channels. Although not serious today
the interference situation in the high
freQuencies, used for tranSoceanic and
other communications, is almost certain
to take its turn for the worse. 1t will
be q repetition, on an international
scale, of what has happened to broad
casting in the United States-unless it
is curbed now by international agree
ment.
In broadcasting the mistake was made
and so great was the congestion that
reception was almost deplorable for
more than year and was rectified. to a
certain extent, only after the sweeping
reallocation of stations last November.
Recognizes Seriousness.
Bespeaking the seriousness of the in
ternational situation is an order just
issued to the naval communications
service by Capt. S. G. Hooper. He
points out that radio transmitters in
use in the world are increasing rapidly
. in number, and that, consequently, IN
reference is increasing.
LAS frequencieS are now assigned,
there are steps which can and must be
taken to decrease radio interference,
he states. Frequency stability of trans
mitters must be improved. Power out
put must be the minimum that will
suffice for required communications.
Transmitters must be kept accurately
on assigned frequency by frequent
checking Of freouencies, using the best
obtainable frequency measuring appa-
ratus. In some instances frequencies
must be shifted or traded, or definite
times or operation agreed to-"
Capt. Hooper Is doing his utmost 70
keep conditions tranquil in the vital
international communications channels
He foresees an interference situation
that may result in international arbi-
tration. which perhaps will bring about
the assignment to each nation OF blocks
of frequencies in several frequency re-
Rions so as to centralize each nations
holdings and preclude information in
reference.
Navy Utilizes Channels.
In so far as the Navy was concerned
he says. this state of affairs was recog-
S1ized when the present naval frequency
assignments were being made. "A very
thorough study was made and the Navy
requested and obtained only the mini
mum number of frequencies to mee1
naval needs" he points out.
Under the Nays present policy Of
properly utilizing assigned frequencie:
to full capacity. Capt. Hooper expects
that the Navy will be able TO keep a!
many frequencies as are now assigned
to it. Although he does not actual!
say so, he expects an international bat
tie at the worldwide conference to b.
held at The Hague in September re-
specting ALLEGATION and use OF trans
oceanic frequencies. Hence, he says
the Navy should be able to keep what
has by being able to justify each FIRE
quency assignment by proper and ful
use"
Even now governmental advisory com
mittees for The Hague conference ar
holding sessions behind closed door:
working out the American plan 10
presentation TO the conference.
fconsIiEhs. 1928, by the Consolidated Press