Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-28
j. S.-IApAN NAVAL
STEPS HOLD STAGE
Conference BreatheS Easier
as Macdonald Survives
Mines Bill Crisis.
NJ the Associated Press.

~ the Associated Press.
LONDON, February 2S.-With imme-
date threat of fall of the British gov
eminent removed, the Five-Power Naval
Conference rode somewhat easier today.
Pending return of a French delegation
which win permit fuller negotiations,
attention was centered on conversations
between the American and japanese
delegations.
The American and Japanese this
morning continued active efforts to
reach an agreement and it was under
stood the conversations were pending
on compromise that involved conces-
sions by both sides.
Japan May Get More Subs.
Unofficial observers gathered the i'm
preston there was the possibility that
the American and British concession
might be giving Japan the right to be
allowed to retain a greater proportion
Of submarines in relation to the United
States and Great Britain than is
allowed under the ratio of the Wash
ington treaty for capital ships.
At the same time Great Britain and
the United States would make a sharp
cut in their tonnages for submersibles
On the other hand, Japan would be
asked to reduce her demand for a 20
per cent cruiser ratio.
A handful of Liberals STAYED of de-
feat of the Macdonald ministry in the
Commons on the second reading of the
coal mine bill by voting with the gov
eminent. Four Liberals voted for the
bill and eight others abstained. The
government won by Scant margin of
nine votes, $50 to al.
Conference Almost Forgotten.
British politicians shunted interest in
the Naval Conference In the excitement
Of the moment. just as in France, the
conference almost disappeared from
view in the confusion incident to the
ministerial crisis defeat of the
British government would have been
blow far greater than the government
defeats in France, since under the
British system resignation of the minis
try, dissolution of Parliament, and
probably would have been
involved.
The government is not safely past
threat of defeat on the measure yet,
since the bill, which was passed on
second reading, still must 60 through
report stage and a third reading. Inn
mediate further consideration was adj
journed on motion Of Mr.. Macdonald,
who said that William Graham. presi-
dent Of the board OF trade, author Of
the measure. had collapsed of overwork
mhnrfly aftar fha House division
The Labor vote of $50 in the division
on the bill was made up Of 270 Labor
members Liberals, independents
and Irish Nationalist.
Cruiser Ratio Is Considered.
The opposition vote of 271 included
22S Conservatives. ~ Liberals and / in
dependent. On the first reading of the
measure, the governments victory was
by only eight votes, both readings con-
shutting the most serious obstacles the
government has had as yet TO overcome
In circles close to the Naval Confer
ence there were unverified reports that
the big cruiser ratio between Japan
ana the United States was under dis
cusslcn IN the conversations between
the two delegations.
Much significance was attached to
the three-cornered conferences held yes
terday. The greatest secrecy was main
tanned the Japanese refusing to talk and
the Americans parrying direct questions
The conversations began when Sena-
TOR Reed called on Ambassador Matsu-
daira at the Japanese embassy yester-
day and spent nearly an hour there.
Senator Reed with Col. Stimson then
visited the House of Commons to con-
Ter with Mr.. Macdonald. Later he again
visited Mr.. Matsudaira, who In the
meantime had conferred with his own
delegation.
United States Counter OFFER Is Seen.
The status of the American -Japanese
issue has been that America offered ia
pan q so per cent cruiser ratio against
Japans demand Of a 10 per cent ratio.
Japan has remained adamant at her
inquire. Some naval men close to the
conference deduced tina. Senator Reed
had presented some counter proposition
or compromise.
1t was believed that If the American
Japanese question could be settled soon.
It would go long way toward remov-
ing matter largely extraneous to
French interests so that when the
Frencn nnally return, the bigger issues
might be attacked.
Ambassador Matsudaira visited Sena-
tor Reed this morning and thew con.
ferred briefly. At the same time Secre-
tary Stimson conferred with Arthur
Henderson. British secretary of state
at the British foreign office.
Whatever may ultimately come in the
way OF an agreement, all the delexa-
lions nave made 1t abundantlv clear
tney are striving for a hve-power ar
rangement.