Feb. 5.
The Government was. closely questioned in the House of Commons to-day regarding the reduc-Hons from the British Navy, consisting of three 10,000 ton cruisers and one snialler cruiser.
Mz. A. V. Alexander, First Lord of the Admivalty, replied that the] Teductions were in pursuance of the Government's naval policy, which the Prime Minister, Mx. Mfac-Donald, had fully stated' last July, when he made it clear that as that policy progressed, a reduction of the "new programme either by Suspension of cancellation was probable.
Mr. Alexander went on to say that the Government, after the fullest examination "of British hhaval needs and a consideration of the economical use of public money, considered that the revised Provision now made was adequate.
Later on, Sir Charles Cayzer (C) asked if the Premier intended to pursue " policy of unilateral d Armament regardless of facts and 'Mr. MacDonald replied: "Cer-Gainly not! This is a well-devised programme, consisteng with and well within' the requirements of national security."
Proceedings at the Naval ference to-day were again prep ory. The heads of the delegations fro. meeting this evening ae St. Tames' Palace, while, in addition, Colonel Stimson, head of the Amer-tean delegation, and M. Tardieu, head of the French delegation, are meeting Mr. Ramsay MacDonald to consider the position reached Yesterday's, meeting. of the "First Gommitted," which is comprised of all-the delegates to the Conference.
The French appear satisfied at the progress of the Conference hitherto and the opinion is express-din Preneh- dieters in London at a meeting of British Empire delegates to the Conference this afternoon about the tardiness of progress. Tt was felt that things were going well but too slowly.
Subsequently Mr. Smiddy (Irish Free State) was the spokesman on this point at the meeting of the heads of delegations, mentioned above, when his criticism was generally endorsed. 'The French, who had been reported to be satisfied with the progress made, declared: themselves especially to' be disappointed, wherefor it was decided to call the plenary meeting to deal specifically with submarines. In the meantinie to-morrow's meeting will again tackle the crucial question of global tonnage and categories.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.