LIMITED NAVIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17935, 1 December 1921, Page 7

LIMITED NAVIES.

JAPAN AND THE RATIO. ACCEPTANCE EXPECTED, FIRM AMERICAN STAND. y SUPPORT FROM BRITAIN. A GENEROUS OFFER. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyrisht. (Received 10.25 p.a.) A. and N.Z. WASHINGTON, Nov. 29. Judging by authoritative comment in American circles to-day the United States intends to stand very firmly to its naval ratio. The series of formulae employed in determining the five-five-three basis has been outlined, and it has been 6hown that under every test applied, and with every method for computing tonnage, Japan is very liberally treated in fixing her ratio at three to five. The different ratios expressing Japan's naval strength compared with that of the United States varied from as low as 45 to 100, to as high as 60 to 100. This latter ratio was accepted by the United States, and it was thought to be a very 'generous offer. American experts calculated that a Japanese ratio of five to 10 would be more accurate. The Japanese suggestion of ratio seven to 10 is regarded as extravagant. The Japanese delegates wer e not to be I drawn to-day on the developments of the i arguments of experts regarding tie ratio. Prince Tokutrawa declared that nothing had been decided yet. There is no indication whatever that Japan intends to insist on a 10-10-seven ratio. Some of the Japanese experts are declaring publicly that Japan should have this ratio, but at to-night's press conference Princo Tokugawa explicitly stated that their views were not those of the Japanese delegation. Indication that the American altitude toward interference with their suggested ratio has further stiffened was given tonight, when it was stated authoritatively that any rejection of the ratio proposed would be viewed with much concern, as indicating no genuine desire for an understanding. Though Japan asked for a postponement of the conference of experts fixed for j to-dav, even-thing is all pointing toward her acceptance of the United States' ratio j and formulae, especially as the British j delegates fully support the American I view. It would not be surprising if the | Japanese acceptance were announced at! a plenary session of the conference early next week. , Earlier to-day is was stated in semiofficial Japanese quarters that even should the United States insist that the Mutau should be scrapped, there was no risk ot final disagreement. OPINION IN TOKIO. ARMY CURTAILMENT URGED. Eouter. ' ? OKIO ' * The Tokio press is devoting much space to Japan's demand for a naval ratio with the United States of seven to ten, but tie general public declines to ( become aroused, caring less about details, than the general idea of saying money through the limitation of navies. _ A disturbing feature is the publication of cablegrams from the United < States which aim at creating the impression that the majority of Americans are adopting a hostile attitude toward Japan in reference to military limitations. General Kono, in an article in the newspaper Asahi Shimbum, urges the Japanese Army authorities to propose voluntarily a reduction 60 as to anticipate any decision reached by the Washington Conference, and thus set the world an example. He adds that the world thought to-day was unmistakably flowing toward the ideal ;of international peace, with ft fixed determination for real and drastic limitation of armaments. He deplored the fact that many Japanese, particularly Army leaders, misinterpret American motives, and look suspiciously at the conference. Japan would do better to take America into full confidence, and wouJd benefit most by disarmament. This article is one of many equally frank. SOMETHING ACHIEVED. EARL BEATTY'S ASSURANCE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. Becd 11.5 ».m.) NEW YOBK, Nov. 29. Earl Bea;ty, in a speech at a farewell ;endered by the Lawyers' Club, said: — 'The very fact that I ani here to-day vs professional head of the British Navy, ndicates that our relationship is so good, md we have arrived at something so narked and so valuable .that I ara able ( o quit. I can assure you there is no fricion of any kind in anything that has :een done. We who served in the great var feel that whatever our duties are retarding the Navy, we have a higher and I / jreater dutv to civilisation." — ( FATE OF SUBMARINES. . j AMERICA FOR RETENTION, j V. and N.Z. WASHINGTON, Nov. 29. ( Regarding the submarine question the ] mpression is that the United States is j iampioning undersea vessels, providing ; trict rules; be laid down for their con- I luct in war time, restricting their uses ' o protecting unarmed merchantmen '• rom attacks. The British delegates still naintain that the super-submarine , hould be abolished, and the total "j Jlowed tonnage reduced. FRANCE AND ITALY. READY FOR AGREEMENT. V. and N.Z. WASHINGTON, Nov. 29. It was reported to-day that France was eady to enter into a plan of naval dis- ' irmament in relation to the Italian fleet. , taly also announces that though sho has Jready reduced her navy she is ready for , urther reductions if compatible with , mtional security.