Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-05
AMERICANS HOLD
SURPRISE SESSION
Stimson Ignores Doctors Or.
ders to Call Meeting of
U. S. Delegates.
D. the Associnted prsss.

BY the Associated Press.
LONDON, March 5.-Ignoring his
physicians orders to remain at STAN
more two more days. Secretary Stimscn
Unexpectedly came to London this noon
ana summoned an immediate meeting
OF the American Naval Conference dele
cation. The purpose of The call was not
disclosed and 1t created something of a
sensation.
1t was disclosed at about the same
time that the Americans were consid-
eraoly agitated over the course of
events OF yesterdays meeting of the
chiefs OF the delegations. 1t developed
mat Ambassador Gibson, who was act
ing for Secretary StimSon, vigorously
opposed the program laid down for the
conference when 1t resumes active work
on the ground that 1t was premature
and lll-advised.
Observers gathered the impression
that this situation was to be discussed
at the American delegation meeting this
morning. 1t was also thought possible
that there had been some development
in the American Japanese negotiations
which demanded attention, although
this was a matter of speculation.
Protested Once Before.
Once before the Americans have felt
impelled to protest against calling of
such a general meeting before what
they considered adequate preparation
had been made.
Only three of the five leaders of the
delegations were present at yesterdays
meeting, these being Mr. Macdonald,
Mr. Wakatsuki and Signor Dino Grandi
France and Ambassador Gibson the
Americans.
The meeting ultimately decided that
the experts attached to the delega-
tons should start to work on the SUBJ
marine agreement today and that the
meeting of the so-called first committee
should be held tomorrow to consider
the work already done by the experts
in the form Of reports on special and
exempt ships.
Ambassador Gibson took the floor
and opposed both these proposals. He
commended that as regards submarines,
they should not be discussed in the
presence of the French. Concerning
the report on special and exempt ships
he declared that this was not in q
state of completion for consideration
by the first committee, which Is a
committee of the conference as a
whole.
Played Round Of Golf.
1t was revealed this noon that Sec
rotary Stimson was busy on some
problem at Stanmore yesterday de-
spite doctors orders that he rest. He
apparently has a mind Of his own as
to medical treatment. for he not only
worked. but went out and played a
round of golf in an effort to shake
OF his cold
Negotiations for settlement of Japa-
AVVaa
ences, which have proceeded between
Senator Reed and Ambassador Matsu-
daira during the past week, thus far
have failed to bring any appreciable
reconciliation of the two national
viewpoints
1t was said authoritatively today that
neither of the two negotiators thus far
had receded from their original thesis:
An offer by America for extension of
the 5-5-3 battleship ratio to large
cruisers, and the Japanese demand and
inSistence upon at least q 10 per cent
big cruiser ratio.
Pending return of q French delega-
ton to the conference from Paris, the
negotiations represented virtually the
only phase of conference activity. The
French position was so definitely inter-
twined with any other problem that
without the Frenchmen being present 1t
would have been futile to deal with
anything else.
Tardieu Expected Sunday.
The japanese and American delega-
tons. particularly Senator Reed and
Ambassador Matsudaira, will continue
their efforts to solve the cruiser ratio
problem, both realizing that solution
would represent one of the most appre-
ciable points Of progress attained to
this time by the conference.
Premier Tardieu is expected to arrive
in London for a conference with Prime
Minister Macdonald at Chequers Sun
day Arrangements probably will be
made to hold a plenary session some
time during the next week at which
reports of the subcommittee can be
made public and an announcement
made Of the general state of the con-
ference.
An exchange of messages between the
American delegation and the State De-
partment at Washington regarding the
number of letters and cables from the
public today. The State Department
has received 24.O51 kilograms and let
tiers, of which 635 were signed by an
| average of over 20 persons. None OF
the messages was unfavorable, but all
showed a considerable divergence OF
opinion as to how success should be
| attained.
Senators Get Messages.
Secretary StimSon cabled the State
Department that the American delega-
| ton had received 1,079 letters anc
| cables, mostly cables, representing q
wide range of individuals and organi.
] cations in all parts of the United States
Some of these favored abolition of Sub
marines and battleships; others wert
against new battleShip construction.
Aside from messages addressed II
the delegation the individual delegate
have received a constant stream o
communications. Particularly has thi
been the case with the two Senators