Meanwhile in Washington the general feeling is surprise that General
Dawes has placed the tonnage for the cruiser class so high. Unless the figures are modified, America will actually exceed her fifteen-cruiser pro- gramme. It is true that she will expend the added tonnage on ships not of the largest size, but the Big Navy party is evidently much relieved. The great thing, however, is the reality of Anglo-American collabora- tion. Nothing but madness can now break it down. Both Governments will certainly be ready to make further concessions in the Five-Power Conference if such concessions should be the price of general reduction. The Prime Minister has been particularly wise in recog- nizing throughout that Anglo-American co-operation easily creates suspicion elsewhere. It is mistaken for a bid for a dual naval hegemony. Consequently he has never opened his mouth without reminding his audience that everything depends upon agreement with the other Naval Powers.
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