JAPANESE CAUTIOUS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 201, 22 May 1936, Page 11

JAPANESE CAUTIOUS

British Retention of OverAge Destroyers MAY SEEK QUID PRO QUO By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received May 21, 10.15 p.m.) London, May 21. Tlie Tokio correspondent of “The Times” says that Foreign Office officials decline to anticipate the Japanese answer to tlie British memorandum of May 20. They believe that tlie British action is due to the submarine building of European countries. According to the vernacular Press, Japanese authorities cannot easily accept the British proposals, which will require cautious examination. It is suggested that as compensation Japan may demand the retention of part of her excess submarine tonnage, now totalling 74,000 tons, instead of the 52,000 to which, under the London Treaty, i, should be reduced by the end of the year. A cable published yesterday stated that the British Government had sent a memorandum to the United States and Japan asking to be allowed to retain 40.000 tons of over-age destroyers under tbe Loudon Naval Treaty. The Government is also seeking a rearrangement of cruiser categories. BRITISH CRUISERS Plans to Refit Hawkins Class (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, May 20. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty stated at question time in the House of Commons that it was not proposed to invoke the escalator clause of the 1930 Naval Treaty in respect of Hawkins class cruisers. Replying to a question regarding their rearmament, he said it was intended to remove the 7.5 in. guns before December 31. but as these ships were to undergo large repairs to fit them for 10 years’ further service the rearmament would not be completed by the end of this year. During refit tbe ships would be given an armament which would bring them within the sub-category of light surface vessels, as laid down in the recent agreement. BRITAIN AND RUSSIA Informal Talks Begin (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, May 20. Informal conversations between representatives of Great Britain and tbe Soviet Embassy in London for the conclusion of a bilateral agreement to associate the Soviet Union in tbe execution of the recent Naval’ Treaty were opened at tlie Foreign Office tics afternoon.