15 FEBRUARY 1930, Page 13

American Notes of the Week

(By Cable)

THE NAVAL CONFERENCE.

While the newspaper reports continue to indicate that the Naval Conference is going well, it cannot be said that the Conference is having quite such a "good Press" as in the earlier stages. Indeed, there are quite audible murmurings that the high purposes with which the Conference began are becoming enmeshed in a network of technical Admiralty advices. One recalls the pertinence of General Smuts' warning while here against the danger of " national need" becoming the measuring rod of the Conference. One fact is certain, and that is that if the Conference does not effect a tangible reduction in armaments and consequent relief of the burden upon taxpayers, no matter whose the fault, there will be bitter disillusionment in the public mind. However one may respect patriotism and the opinions of Admiralty advisers, the faith of America is in the world statesmanship represented at the Conference, and no mere agreement, unless effecting a tangible and obvious reduction, will justify that faith. President Hoover undoubtedly voiced America's feelings when he said : " Assuming parity, they, cannot make reduction too low for us."