The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-03-15
Naval Farley Down to Deal With japan

But for the agreement reputed to have been reached
between the United States and Japan on the cruiser ratio,
the London naval limitations conference would be as
good as dead.
AS far as Franco and Italy are concerned. Aristide
BRAND. the great man Of peace Of France, dealt the
parley its apparent death blow in a private conference
with Premier Macdonald and Secretary stimson, head
of the American delegation, when his demand for a
security pact was denied.
The utmost that can now be hoped for at London is
believed to be a three-power pact. in which the under
standing will be between Great Britain, Japan and the
United States.
The reputed agreement is appraised in conference cir
Giles as an outstanding event of the parley and by reason
Of the only naval deal now regarded as possible, of para
mount Importance at this juncture. All that is required
to make 1t an accomplished fact. 1t Is said, is approval
from the home authorities.
French imperialism seemingly has proved too strong
to induce France to come into the limitations scheme.
Germany used to be the DOGGY on which the French
dementiaS we're based, but now it is Italy which is the
excuse for miltarism that exceeds anything else in
Europe in that line and goes far beyond French arma-
ments of pre-war days.
France has shown, and does not deny. that it wants to
be the dominant military power Of Europe. It has
the man power in the cannon fodder of colonial Algeria
and seems to have a hysteric feeling that it is essential
to use this. To preserve its contacts with Africa it
contends it requires a larger navy than Italy, which also
is an African colonial power, in its possession of Tuns.
Foreign Minister BRAND put the argument to Premier
Macdonald and Secretary Stimson when they conferred
in their hopeless attempt to reach some accord.
The aged French statesman demanded point blank of
the British prime minister and the American secretary
Of state why they are suspicious of Frances naval re-
quirements and why they refuse to permit her to MAIN
tain adequate sea power for self-defense, but accept
Italys demand for parity in silence.
II don't think that 1t is fair to ask France to produce
all Of her figures and make out her case.' he said. I'VE
are willing to discuss every point without being asked.
But there is another country occupying the same status
as France. but she Is left alone and says nothing beyond
demanding parity with us-makng no justification of
her claims.
That Is impossible. Parity cannot exist between
q nation which can concentrate her sea power on one
sea-and a small one, compared with the ocean-and a
nation which must disperse her naval forces all over the
world"
M. BRAND intimated that the sole outcome he foresees
now for the naval conference is a naval holiday of four
or five years. during which the negotiations of the chief
sea powers will continue.
However, France has ceased to be an influence in the
conference, it would seem. The possibility of the three
power agreement, therefore, looms as the only big out
come. and should that fall, the total collapse of the parley
would be no surprise. Outside Of nice words by Premier
Tardieu at the opening. the French attitude has been
an obstacle from the beginning.