Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-10
Naval Holiday Idea Appraised
AS World Stabilizing Force

Italy's proposal Of a naval holiday
as a preliminary to the coming con-
ference Of nations at Geneva impresses
many Americans as logical means of
giving greater force to the deliberations
Of that conference. Approval from the
American Government Is believed to
have been an important factor and
1t is held that the favorable replies
from several important powers have
already had a heartening effect on the
world.
1.-THE present proposal" according to
the Chicago Daily News, differs some
what from the Italian formula, which
France and Japan strenuously opposed.
It does not involve suspension of naval
construction already begun and so car
ries no threat of an increase In the
army of the unemployed" The Daily
News says Of the principles involved:
Clearly, q general naval holiday would
not reduce the relative strength or eff
f1ciency of the American Navy. It is
not incompatible with a policy OF con-
struction IL accordance with the Lon
don treaty and the ratios established
by it. Enlightened friends of the naval
establishment will not take exception
to such a proposal. A strong, adequate
navy is essential to security, but inter-
national naval holidays and equitably
proportioned reduction programs are not
inconsistent with that fundamental doc
trine"
"Oficially and popularity" says the
Wheeling Intelligencer, "thiS country al
ways has favored low armament, both
on land and sea-" pointing to the fact
that the United States has gone to the
point of refraining from building up to
treaty strength; that I'VE have en-
braced every opportunity to favor fur
Their restriction of armed force" and
that Sin the present instance the ad-
ministration is merely living up to ira
ditional and consistent American policy
"a position which has been maintained
despite the tireless efforts Of our alarm
lists and those interested in war ma
chinery."
1.-THE next step" in the Judgment of
the Sioux City Journal, would be a
pact among the foremost naval powers
and those of second and third rank
binding all in a solemn agreement in
the interest of both economy and
peace" The Journal adds that "the re-
port from Geneva of partial success is
of more importance when connected
With the coming arms conference, sched-
uled for February. The conference thus
would be held while the holiday was in
effect. The agreement WOULD De pound
to exert upon the conferees powerful
influence for armament reductions"
1.-THE confidence begot by this move
will give new assurance as larger issues
arise thinks the Rochester Times
Union, holding tat sit will add greatly
to the success of the conference in
February and take heavy financial
burden off the shoulders of the nations
participating" while "a naval construc-
ton holiday at this time would do much
to alleviate international fear of war
and thus help to restore confidence"
Its value chiefly is psychological. :"
concludes the Providence Bulletin
pointing out that actually, the relative
positions of the various powers remain
unchanged" and offering the appraisal.
emo sacrifice Of strength is involved
No national plans of construction.
which are mapped out long in advance,
are interfered with. Work on vessels
already under way Is to be maintained.
Contracts already awarded for future
construction, even during the holiday
year, are to be carried cut. Old units
which would go out Of active service
during the year are allowed TO be re-
placed" Conceding that ION the sur
face, it would seem that it Is but
pious gesture" the Bulletin states:
There is one feature Of the holiday