Mr. Coolidge added that the failure at Geneva ought not
to cause the United States "to build either more or 'less than she would otherwise have done," and that in the absence of any agreement the question of what the size of the American- Navy should be was a matter solely for the United States to decide. Although Mr. Coolidge made no suggestion of renewing the Three Power discus- sions, he stated that-- the American Government was ready and willing to continue the preparatory investiga- : 1039 tions on the general subject of disarmament which had 1040 been begun by the League. The word " necessity " which the President applies to his building programme derives its justification and value solely from the assump- tion that the United States, in order to have real parity with Britain, must- have as many ships in each class as our Navy has. - - •
