Naval Equality Demanded

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 272, 20 November 1934, Page 7

Naval Equality Demanded

JAPANESE VIEWPOINT. United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, Nov. 18. The Dally Telegraph’s naval correspondent states that Japanese circles are of opinion that the naval conversations have reached the most critical stage. The crucial ratio problem is as far off solution as ever. “The Japanese state that Britain and the United States must now realise our demand for equality to replace the 5-5-3 ratio is not a mere bargaining gambit. Its unqualified acceptance must be the first condition of co-opera-tion in naval disarmament. Wc have as much moral right as anyone to a first-ranlc navy.’’ The Washingt<?h Treaty ratios wore a mere temporary expedient. The correspondent adds that against the Japanese claim it might be urged that the Japanese Navy is already so strong relatively that it absolutely controls Far Eastern waters.

The Daily Express states that the Air Ministry has decided to increase the strength of the naval air force abroad and to concentrate naval aeroplanes on the'south coast of England. A squadron of powerful four-engined flying battleships is neai-’g completion, and will fly in formation to Singapore in December, A new flying-boat squadron is being formed at Pembroke,