"Statement of Policy with Regard to the Limitation of Arma-_ ments Conference: Frankness the Only Hope of Suc cess: Labour Attempt to Reduce Personnel London, Mar, 14.
In introducing the Navy estimates to-day Mr. W. C. Bridgeman, First Lord of the Admiralty, referred to President Coolidge's invitation to a goaference of limitations of arnianents and emphasized that the Admiralty. welcomed such a provided that Britain entered it ask-Ung other nations to consider her special diticulties in the same way that Britain would undoubtedly resect avd consider theirs. (Cheers).
'There were special circumstances with regard to the British navy which were totally different from those of any other country, Bri-ain's obligation was to maintain a fleet of equal naval strength to any other Power and' provide reasonable security: for safeguarding trade communications:
'The only chance of success of the conference was that the Powers en-toring it would be perfectly' frank with och other and say why they wanted the strength they did want.
He hoped France and Italy would reconsider the question and join in after all (Choors). He expressed the opinion that very considerable Progress could be achieved without risking the obligations which the Admiralty fleet must curry out.
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