NORTH PACIFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22179, 5 August 1935, Page 9

NORTH PACIFIC

FORTIFICATION QUESTION JAPAN AND AMERICA LONDON. July 26 The effect of the abandonment of naval ratios, as between Britain, the United States and Japan, upon the question of fortifications in the North Pacific, is engaging the attention of British authorities. Under the Washington Naval Treaty, Japan consented to a 5-5-3 ratio, instead of 5-5-4, conditionally upon the inclusion of a non-fortifica-tion clause, to«ensure that the United States would not possess bases from which Japan could be attacked. This non-fortification clause would be automatically nullified by the abandonment of the ratios when the Washington Treaty expires in 1936. Unless a new-agreement is reached Japan and the United States are expected to seek tijgi right to fortify Pacific islands. This would affect New Guinea. The question will be discussed at the World Naval Conference in London, probably in December. The policy of replacing the ratios contemplates that each Power will, have adequate defence, rendering it unlikely that any country can successfully attack another.