Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-05
Action Would Make Easier
Pact Between Britain, ia
pan and US Although Paris
May Withhold Signature.
TREATY-STRENGTHENING
MOVE WILL BE DELAYED
Demand for Conference Clause in
Kellogg Accord Will Be Aban.
doned for Time Being, But
Pressure for Reinforcing Docu-
ment Will Continue.
BY JOSEPH e. SHARKEY.
Associated Press Correspondent


PARIS, January 4.-France is
to make an agreement at the
London Naval Conference opening
this month to refrain from ex-
ceeding a stated tonnage of ma
val construction for a period of
years. This was learned tonight
i'll reliable quarters.
This will be the positive con-
trlbut1on of France to the plans
FOR making the limitation confer
ence success. Although France
Will probably be unable to sign a
definite naval treaty for the rea-
sons outlined in her recent naval
memorandum, an engagement of
the above nature will, it is be-
lleved, make easier a tripartite
treaty between Great Britain. the
United States and Japan which
would be virtually tantamount to
a general treaty.
They Ask 100000 Ton Limit.
That the disposition by France to
limit tonnage over period of years is
the authoritative way of irternretino
that the French government will seek
any solution at London which will all
low any powers DESTROYS of doing so to
enter into binding agreement as be-
tween themselves without awaiting con-
cluslon OF general convention Of lin
ltatlon of all ornaments.
France will presumably press for a
total tonnage OF between 100000 and
100000 tons, the actual total being
dependent on the condition of the po-
llttcal security of France and particularly
dependent upon elaboration of a Medi-
terranean pact of non-aRgression and
mutual guarantees. It was learned that
there has been little or no progress
toward this pact as yet.
Another important development to-
night was decision not to attempt to
obtain strengthening Of the Kellogg
BRAND pact for remuneration of war at
the London conference by adding a
clause for the conference of sigma
tories when the pact is in danger of
violation.
Reinforcement Need is Seen.
France will not drop this matter. but
as the subject concerns SIS nations,
France and the other leading powers
think the problem can best be studied
later. There is growing impression
mere, however, that something should
be done to re-enforce the Kellogg pact
by reviving the ideas OF the Geneva
protocol that a nation which refuses to
accept arbitration should be pronounced
the aggressor and subjected to the pen
alties under the pact.
In other words, it is believed that a
mere provision for a conference of the
signatories, as provided in the four
power pacific pact, would be insult
ficient.
Another development among naval
powers is discussion of the ACCESSIBILITY
OF having the agreement of London
run longer than to 1896, the date on
which the Washington naval treaty
will expire II denounced by some sig
natory by 1884.
Denunciation by France or italy had
been anticipated, but there now was
said to be less likelihood OF this If the
Washington treaty continues indednite-
ly. 10 or Is year agreement could
be elaborated at London and plans TO
make 1t conterminous with the Wash
ington agreement would be abandoned.
FavOrs Battleship Reduction.
1t was understood that France vas
showing a greater interest in cruisers
because Of the necessity of keeping fast
fleets at distant points, like the Indian
and Pacific Oceans and off West
Africa, to protect colonies and traders
France Is less interested in battle
ships. which she would like to see re-
duced in size with guns of smaller
caliber, thus making possible big econ
omies. Hence, some circles believe
that France will not be likely to de-
nounce the Washington treaty. which
had caused great dissatisfaction earlier
because OF the small ratio of battle
ships accorded to France.