Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-29
Hope of Agreement on Ton
mage, if Not Reduction, in
Six More Weeks Is Held.
$50 100000 SAVING
BELIEVED POSSIBLE
Representative French Says Many
Factors Depend on London
Outcome.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
Intentions of House administration
leaders to withhold action on the more
than $500, 100000 annual naval appro-
priation bill for an additional six
weeks in the hope that the London
Naval Conference will reach agreement
on tonnage, if not reduction in naval
ornaments, was disclosed today by
Representative French, Republican
Idaho.
French is chairman Of the House ap-
preparations naval subcommittee.
He expects that any tangible agree
ment reached by the conference would
result in a saving of approximately
$4,000, 900 in naval expenditures in the
next fiscal year. Other savings would
be effected in subsequent fiscal years.
The naval appropriations bill usually
calls for an outlay of more than $780,
100000 annually Some have placed the
figure of this years bill at about $780,
100000.
Other Effects Likely.
The measure must provide funds for
carrying out the 15-cruiser construction
three battleships also has been con-
templated. An agreement at London
might have decided effect upon these
appropriations.
Only two of the new cruisers have
been laid down so far Three more are
to be laid down before July /, under
the plan of the administration.
Five more are to be laid down during
the ensuing fiscal year unless an agree
ment Is reached in London, which might
effect the program.
There are so many factors involved
that depend directly upon the outcome
Of the London Conference" French said,
u am sure it would be unwise for our
committee to report the bill at this
time.
Program of Committee.
Whether or not reduction may be
had IN number of battleships, whether
or not the cruiser building program
may be modified, whether or not a
definite conclusion may be had now,
or recess of the conference for six
monthss t1e. prograEl OF eur committee
depends upon Just such factors"
Delaying consideration of the naval
measure on the floor also has the eff
feet of shutting of to some extent
debate by many members of the pro-
CCGO1IlBS db LOIOOn.
French asserted that the American
people should have utmost sympathy
with our delegation"
THE prize of reduction of naval
ornaments is worth working for" the
Idahoan said. 1.-THE cost to the Amer
lean people of a three-month session
of the conference will be less than one
tenth Of per cent of the annual naval
appropriation bill or, stated in another
way, considerably less than the opera
ton of one battleship for the same
period of time.
Possible Benefits in Farley.
Were the outcome of the conference
to be definite agreement in all cate
gories without reduction of tonnage,
but with no increase" he continued,
"the conference would be worth while;
were the result to be definite agreement
in all categories and reduction in ton
mage that Is reasonably possible, the
result would be triumphant gain for
every nation involved.
Last year the naval burdens of the
five great powers cost approximately
one billion dollars. This expenditure
should be cut In two. Such program
would mean not only reduction of naval
burdens, but greater guarantee Of
world security"