Discussing the French thesis that there is close interdependence be: tween various defensive armaments and the reasons they give for regarding this as a fundamental Principle of their policy of national defence, the reply says the British Government agree that the problems of naval, land and air disarmament cannot be completely dissociated one from another, but they do not take the view that no attempt, should be made to deal with one unless all are being dealt with simultaneously.
"HIM, Government consider that the approach to disarmament can best be facilitated by attacking the prob lent in detail as is now proposed at the Naval Conference. In the end complete disarmament agreement must cover all the field of arms, and steady and continuous work' will be required until that field has been covered.
"They, therefore, join the French Government in earnestly hoping that the Conference will result in an agreement which will commend itself to all the Powers represented in the preparatory commission and by facilitating the task of that body, hasten the summoning of a general disarmament conference.
A Mediterranean Treaty In reference to the views of the French Government, regarding the desirability of a Treaty of mutual guarantee and non-aggression between the Mediterranean Powers, it stated that the British Gover ment agree that the Four-Power ing to the Pacific, which ington Cone upon Washington Naval Treaty.
Government only point out at this stage that a treaty such at that suggested by the French Government appears to go considerably farther than the Pacific Treaty which provided only for the summoning of a conference for the settlement of controversies, and for joint consultation in the face of aggressive action. Inasmuch as all Mediterranean Powers are members of the League of Nations, it would appear that facilities already exist for joint consultation in the event of need. There is a great measure of security in this but HIM. Government would Ind to exchange views on the subject with all the Powers ce The reply notes with* particular pleasure the opinion that none of the problems mentioned in the French memorandum amount to irremovable obstacles and they share thereby the confidence felt by the French Government that there will be cordial ce-operation amongst the delegations to promote the great aims of the conference and that will terminate their labours. ch Wireless through Reuter.
The French Note The French Memorandum referred to above, which was handed to Government on December 26, contended that the reduction of armaments should be based on Clause VII of the Covenant of the League of Nations, which, it declared, was the only basis suitable for the preparation of an agreement not involving an a prion mathematical formula and. acceptable to all the Governments not represented at the London Naval Conference.
The Memorandum indicated prefference for limitation by tonnage, but declared readiness to adhere to compromise method for regulating the distribution of tonnage among different classes of ships.
It said that the interdependence of armaments was the fundamental principle of French policy.
French Government, the Memorandum continued, hoped it would not be obliged to deal with fons relating to the fixing of and air armaments, but it pointed out that tonnage adequate for its naval requirements was closely related to the general level The Memorandum said that France was not averse from solutions enabling the Powers so desirous to enter into definite mutual agreements without awaiting the conclasion, of an agreement for, the Himitation of all armaments.
Tt emphasized the importance of tonnage adequate for national reeds
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.