JAPAN'S WITHDRAWAL

Evening Post, Issue 13, 16 January 1936, Page 11

JAPAN'S WITHDRAWAL

THE NAVAL CONFERENCE

INSTRUCTIONS TOO NARROW

PROPOSAL IMPRACTICAL

.(British Official 'Wireless.) (Received January 16, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, January 15. The withdrawal of the Japanese delegation, although by no means unexpected, has^caused lively regret in London. In circles closely connected with the Conference the view is expressed that the impracticability of the Japanese proposal is best shown by the plain fact that it was found unacceptable by all the other participants in the discussions. It is thought unfortunate that ihe Japanese delegation came to the Conference with such narrow instructions. There is a general impression that the form of the Japanese proposal was dictated by too close consideration of their own needs and too little consideration for the requirements of. other Powers. This is illustrated by the fact that while stressing their anxiety to secure the abolition of offensive categories of naval armament they exclude therefrom submarines. There is undisguised regret that the Japanese delegation was Unwilling to remain to discuss an agreement providing for frank exchange of information and various questions of qualitative disarmament which • have still to come before the Conferencemore so as the Japanese delegation has been treated with great consideration and the Conference has given the fullest discussion to its proposal at five out of the ten meetings so far held of the First Committee, as well as almost. exclusively at one meeting of the heads of the delegations. In Conference' circles, however, the hope is strongly entertained that the withdrawal of the Japanese delegation from the further work of the Conference will not lead to. recriminations or adversely affect' the relations of the Powers concerned in respect to other questions. The Japanese delegation itself has, stated: "Notwithstanding our withdrawal from the Conference, we are far from entertaining the slightest wish to embark upon an armament race. We are firmly determined to endeavour, as heretofore, to promote the cause of world peace by assiduously cultivating the best friendly relations with other nations."