5 MARCH 1927, Page 2

The reply of the Government to Mr. Coolidge's proposal for

a further limitation of naval armaments is admirable in manner, proportion and emphasis. Sir Austen Chamberlain read the reply in the House of Commons on Monday. It speaks of the " cordial sympathy " with which the Government received the invitation from Washington. It then goes on to mention the special difficulties of defending the communications of the British Empire, but definitely promises to discuss the matter with the United States in a conference at Geneva. Although the Government will do " their best to secure the success " of such a conference, they most properly remark that the work will require " careful adjustment " with the proceedings of the League's Preparatory Commis- sion on Disarmament.