NAVAL STRENGTHS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 69, 14 December 1935, Page 11

NAVAL STRENGTHS

Empire Opposition To Japanese Case OBSCURITY OVER PARITY PROPOSALS London, December 12. A communique issued from the Naval Conference states: — The discussion of the Japanese proposal for a common upper limit was continued, statements being made by the delegates from America, Australia, Canada, France, Britain, Italy and South Africa expressing their views on the explanation given by the Japanese delegation regarding its proposal. The Japanese to-morrow will reply to the observations made by other delegations. Though the communique, like all its predecessors, was a bald list of speakers on the Japanese proposal, it indicates the extent of opposition to it. It is still not specified whether the Japanese parity plan embraces Bowers other than those represented at the conference or what Japan considers the upper limit should be.

It is semi-oflicially admitted that a deadlock has not occurred "yet,” but this will inevitably arrive as the main issue unless a compromise is obtainable to the Japanese demand. It is understood that Lord Monsell, Mr. Vincent Massey (Canada), Mr. Stanley Bruce (Australia) and Mr. Te Water (South Africa), while presenting separate opposition to the Japanese claim for equality, based their arguments in such a manner as to present a united Empire case. Sir Janies Parr (New Zealand) also intended to speak to-day, but illness obliged a postponement. _________