ISLANDS IN THE PACIFIC

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21909, 9 October 1936, Page 11

ISLANDS IN THE PACIFIC

BRITAIN’S NOTE TO JAPAN

CAUTIOUS REPLY EXPECTED

(miD press association—*cqptxight.)

(Received October 8, 7.5 p.m.)

LONDON, October 7

The British Government has approached the United States and Japan about the renewal of article 19 of the Washington Treaty of 1922. The article concerns the non-fortifi-cation of certain islands in the Pacific, and Britain seeks a renewal of these guarantees.

A Tokyo'message says that the Foreign Office has not yet received the British note about the Washington Treaty, It is believed that Japan will approve the spirit and the aim •of the proposal, but will carefully consider her reply because the areas concerned are chiefly Bonin, LooChoo. and Formosa islands. These are vital to home defence, but Eng- | land and the United States are affected only in outlying possessions.

AMERICA’S REPLY

“MENACE MUST BE MET WITH MENACE”

(Received October 8, 10.10 p.m.)

WASHINGTON, October 7.

The British proposal to the United States and Japan on the renewal of article XIX. of the Washington Naval .Treaty met with comment interpreted to signify that the United States is prepared' to keep pace, but will not initiate a naval race;

Mr C. A. Swanson (Secretary of the Navy) said fortifications must be met with other fortifications, and one menace with another menace.