Navies of the World

The Naval Conference of Experts at Rome concluded its deliberations (TIME, Feb. 18, 25).

The purpose of the Conference, which was held under the auspices of the League of Nations, was to consider the extension of the principles of the Washington Naval Treaty to outside Powers, with a view to paving the way for a League of Nations Naval Conference to be held next year at Geneva.

Results. Sixteen Powers discussed the naval positions of Russia, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Greece. The results showed that only four cases were left unsettled.

Russia. The Russian delegate asked for a navy totaling 490,000 tons. These high figures were justified by the delegates, who said that the Soviet Government had four seats to protect. Four Powers favored the Russian claim, seven opposed, four abstaining from voting.

Chile. An annual amount of tonnage (80,000 tons) was agreed to and endorsed by the remaining 15 Powers.

Brazil. Same as Chile.

Argentina. Expected to follow Chile and Brazil.

Spain. A tonnage of 105,000 tons was asked. The Powers saw no reason why Spain should have a larger navy than the South American States. The Spanish delegate, for reasons of national dignity, withdrew from the conference.

Norway. An increase of 16,000 tons was allowed.

Denmark. An increase of 18,000 was voted by the Powers.

Sweden. The situation was unchanged, the delegate virtually agreeing to keep the navy to its present size.

Holland. Only a slight increase was granted.

Greece claimed an equal tonnage with Turkey, but as Turkey was not represented, an agreement was impossible. The Powers were, however, agreeable to the arrangement.