CAPITAL SHIPS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 68, 13 December 1932, Page 9

CAPITAL SHIPS

Japanese Proposals NAVAL DISARMAMENT Qualitative Limitation (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) Toliio, Dec. 10. In supporting her suggested change in the ratio of capital ships (Britain 11, America 11, Japan 8), Japan urges that the basic idea of tlie Disarmament Conference has been the principle of qualitative limitation aimed at strengthening the defensive by weakening the offensive. Consequently a larger sacrifice is needed in the larger navies. The plan proposes that in all categories the actual maximum tonnage shall be the lowest possible within a specified maximum. -

As Japan believes that it is practically impossible for a world conference, to arrive at a conclusive agreement owing to certain problems concerning only certain Powers, the plan suggests that America, the British Empire, France, Italy, and Japan should conclude a general outline by special and general agreements, the special being between groups of Powers most closely related, taking into account geographical and other circumstances. Tjje world, should be divided particularly into Pacific, Atlantic, and European and South American groups connected with them. The plan also suggests that a qualitative limitation in all categories and quantitative agreements by the five leading Powers regarding capital ships, first-class cruisers, and aircraft carriers should be affected by a general agreement.