Imperial Valley press., 1930-02-11
BY RAYMOND CLAPPER
United Press Staff Correspondent

LONDON, Feb. l1.-U.H-Urging
the London naval conference to
sweep away technicalitics and
strategic arguments in the name of
humanity, Secretary of State Henry
J.. Stimson, speaking at the plen-
airy session of the conference at st.
James palace today demanded total
abolition of the submarine as n
naval weapon.
'For this conference, he said
in one striking paragraph, "callcd
under such influences, to sanction
an instrument of war the abuses OF
which were directly responsible for
calling the western world into the
greatest European war of history,
would be contradiction of the
purpose for which we have met"
The chief American delegate said
the time had come to "speak frank.
ly' On the question Of submarines,
and that it was the "conviction OF
the world that inhumanc use Of the
submarine should cease
Stimson pointed out that argu.
ments holding the submarine is n
defensive weapon fall to the ground
when past use of the submarine, far
from its home ports, is recalled
lie emphasized the danger, even
though agreements limiting the use
of submarines may exist, of temp.
tation to use the weapon in any
way best suited 70 bclligerent IS
needs, regardless OF any accepted
code of warfare.
George Leygucs, the French min.
lister Of marine, taking issue with
the American and British delegates,
presented frances demands for
continuation of the submarine as
an active force in the world s
navies.
Leygues said his nation was will.
ing to agree to the adoption of
regulations regarding the use of
submarines, and accepted the prin.
ciples OF the Root resolutions out
lawing unrestricted submarine war
fare.
Prepares Agreement
Leygues proposed resolution
providing for the appointment of a
committee to prepare an agreement
to be signed by all naval powers,
to regulate submarine attacks on
merchant ships in accordance with
present rules applied to surface war.
ships.
Following A. v. Alexander, frs.
lord OF the British admiralty, who
outlined the British position SUP.
porting the American demand, Lev.
CUES made the following points
summarizing the attitude of France:
First, the submarine is war
ship like other vessels.
Second, the submarine is n de-
fensive weapon which all the naval
powers cannot do without.
"Third, the use Of the submarine
should and can be regulated as other
warships are regulated.
The French naval minister de.
Tended at length the right Of ma.
tions to use submarines legitima te.
ly and laid emphasis upon the geo.
graphical position Of France and the
necessity of defending her long
lines OF communication, nccessitat.
ing the use of sub surface ships.
The Italian foreign minister, ac.
cepted the submarine abolition in
behalf OF Italy, providing it is ac.
ceptable to all the powers.
Admiral Takeshi Takhrabc deliv.
cred Japan's pronouncement on sub.
marines, in district opposition to
the British and American view.
points.
Explaining ltaly's stand, Grandi
said his country was ready to re-
new an undertaking restricting the
use Of submarines against merchant
ships.
, Grandi reiterated the argument
that the submarine is the best wca.
pom for small powers.
The plenary session adjourned at
l:O3 p. m.