THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17207, 26 July 1921, Page 7

THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE.

LACTATION OF ARMAMENTS. THE JAPANESE NAVY. m* CWo-Piwa Association—--I?I„£LV^Tn.Z.-. Cable As.ooat.on) (Received July 35*, 10.80 p.m.) WASHINGTON July 24. The Tientsin correspondent of the "Chicago Tribune" has received a statement from Viscount Kate, formerly Minister for Foreign Affairs, revised and approved by the Premier, Mr T. Hara,"t)hat the Japanese Navy considers the existence of two squadrons necessary. . . The irreducible minimum [or naval defence was considered alter theChanoJapaneso War.. The framers of the "eight battleships nnd eight battlecruisers" programme did **hav^£ mind any probable enemy. Ihej only knew that the financial abiM* of Japau permitted a programme by whidh^ Japan cbuld be defended m any emergency arising in the Far East alone. Nothing was more preposterous or more absurd than the propaganda that Japan would attempt to compete with the United States Navy. Japan would gladlv particbate in a conference on disarmament, "although,;' added Viscount Kato, "our relatively inferior Navy cannot lead the way in reduction. ], therefore, would not insist upon a complete eight and eight programme under certain circumstances. STATEMENT BY MB MASSEY. LONDON, July 24. Replying to tfte of the freedom of the city of Bath, Mr Massey said he waa not afraid to trust native races with self-government. The opening of the Panama Canal kid made a tremendous difference to the countries ot the Pacific. Strong navies meant hie or death to those in the South Pacific. He wanted the Empire representatives at WnfHn<rton to speak with one voice as one man. FAR EASTERN PROBLEMS. JAPAN EEASSUEED. (Received July 25th, 8.20 p.m.) TOKYO, July 23. It is understood that Japan has received a reassuring reply from the United States concerning the objects of the .proposed conference to discuss Far Eastern' matters, and it is believed Japan will shortly intimate her acceptance of tlie invitation to participate in the discussions. It is believed that Japan has also received word from the Allies assuring her tlbat the conference will in no way be directed against Japanese interests. ATTITUDE OF CHINA. (Received July 25% 8.20 p.m.) PEKING, July 2S. The Foreign Minister, Dr. Yen, states that' China does not propose" to enter the Far Eastern Conference with the primary intention of bringing up Questions involving iher relations with individual nations, but she will BPek recognition of the general principles applicable to individual nations in future Pacific problems. China does not want special privileges, but only a fair opportunity. A friendly spirit of giveandrtalte will,result in the discovery of a basis for _ pacific principles reducing "future friction. ~■/.