Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-05
The Naval Conference.

Two weeks have elapsed since the five
power Naval Conference convened in
London and the delegations are still
arguing the question of method of
Procedure. No attempt has been made
SO far to present actual tonnage figures
Tor the various categories of naval
vessels, and no ratio proposals have
been advanced. On the surface, the
failure to get down to brass tacks may
appear disheartening. But the ques-
tons of method of procedure which
have arisen quite naturally must be
settled before the powers can begin to
deal with the proposals advanced by
the various delegations, outlining their
needs in total naval tonnage and in
the various categories. The French on
the one hand and the British and
Americans on the other have been in
dispute over the method to be followed,
the French declaring first for "global
tonnage" and the British, backed by the
Americans, for the category plan. A
compromise plan has been put forward
by the French which is the subject of
discussion now.
The delegations are moving forward,
however, in the consideration of various
phases of the naval limitation program,
despite the inability yet to reach final
agreement on method of procedure.
The Americans and the Japanese are
comforting, apparently in amicable man
ner, over the ratio of 10,00O-ton cruisers
TO be allotted to both. The Japanese
nave urged that they be allowed 10 per
cent OF the American tonnage of these
vessels, and to American eyes this de-
mand appears too great. There is
reason to believe that the japanese NAV
modify their demands in this respect,
particularly if they are successful in
their desires regarding submarines. The
British and American delegations have
1t IS reported, gone into the question
OF battleShip tonnage, and are tentative
~ considering reduction to fifteen such
capital ships each, with a consequent
great saving in maintenance and in
requirements. The battleship "holidav"
Is to be continued until 1886. If the
plans work out However, the agree
ment with regard to battleships is re-
ported to hinge upon success in dealing
with the limitation Of cruiser and other
auxiliary tonnage. It is obvious that
the United States will not agree to a
reduction Of battleshipS, unless there
can be some decision to limit cruiser
tonnage.
spirit OF cooperation and of hope
has developed at the conference in
London. The various delegations are
seeking in every way to adjust diff
ferences-not to magnify them. It is
well understood that the world is look
ing hopefully to London in this crisis
in the move for better accord, and that
it viii frown upon failure There are
strong motivating causes for the con-
ference. The fear of war growing out
of new naval building race is one of
them. Another is the earnest desire
Of the nations-the people of the ma
tons as well as their governmentS-for
relief from the heavy burden of tax
alton which increasing naval armament
places upon them. They are emerging
from the devastation of the World War.
They do not wish now to be held back.
For it is clear that unless some agree
ment can be reached at London,
mighty naval building race will be in
progress.
Ever since the Naval Conference be-
gan the American delegation has
pressed for greater publicity. The con-
ference is engaged in work in which
the peoples of the world are vitality in
terested. They should be as fully in
formed as possible. Beyond doubt there
are certain stages of negotiations which
must be handled behind closed doors.
But there is every reason for the peo-
pies at home to be kept fully informed
Of the progress of the conference. The
force of public opinion has been the
potent factor in bringing about the
present Naval Conference. It may be
effective, if there be need, in bringing
about an agreement at London.
sSaA, a.