London, Dee. 8.
The depa'vre to-day of a squad. of serpenters and electricians from the famous Locarno Room of the [Foreign Office doneies that all is in [readiness fo- one of the most import-fant post-Wa international gatherings—the Naval Conference, which opens. to-morrow.
'One distinguishing feature of this IConference, which will be conducted fin Clarence House in the quiet ack-water of Westainster after the Jopening session, ig that there has faitherto been a' very small mesure of common ground for a previous Jagreement among the Powers taking part.
"An unofficial outline of the various [standpoints indicates its great dulculty.
Success mostly hinges on the! attitude of Japan, which poses the most formidable obstacle in her implacable demand for parity with America and with Grest Britain.
Provided that this can be achieved, she desires the abolition, or a drastic limitation, of capital-ships, aireraltcarriers, and 10,000-ton cruisers, Britain opposes parity with Japan fon account of the r.ccessity of de~ Tending her world-wide Empire, but would welcome a snailer batUeship and a limit of 7,000 tons for cruisers.
'On the other band, Britain has only agreed to the present schedule of 50 cruisers temporarily, and will andoubiedly revert te' the old estimate of a minimum of 70.
She will also probably urge, the salsing of the age of battleships from 20 to 26 years, This is one of the few points on agreement is expected.
The United States is adamant in opposing the Japanese demand for parity, and wants to preserve the sizes of warthipg agreed at, Washing on—a limit of 35,000 tons for battle ships and of 10,000 tons for cruisers.
She may, however, agree to smaller than 16-inch guns of: battleships, Tt is understood that the United States also wang an equal number Jot cruisers as Dritain, but would probably agree to the abolition of submarines, Neither the Americans nor the Japanese are at present empowered xo. deal with political questions, but nobody will be surprised if "Japan's policy in China oblrudes upon the Proceedings in view of the warm American feeling in the matter.
France {s in close accord with several points, due to friendly Anglo-French diplomatic contact in the past mantis, but she is chary Jot undertaking commit events until more Is known about German inten-
On the other hand, France does! not relish the idea of abolishing Jsubmarines, while she has, previously resented an Ballan comand for parity with her in this type of warcraft, although te recent rapprochement Eetween the two countries may facilitate an agreement.
The allans possess 69 submarine mostly of very modern types, and not inclined to abandon ' such cherished weapon:
'Moreover, the italians have laid down two '35,000-ton battleships, of Which Britain' has to take a serious account in the Mediterranean.
The duration of the Conference cannot be predicted at present. may possibly lust six weeks—Reuter, Industrial policy of the past four years had been based on attempting to create conditions tected, by mover which industry could thrive, Referring 12 the coal question, he expressed the hope that the diseussions now proceeding might result not Vmerely In reaching accommedat: on,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.