NAVAL RACE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19550, 4 February 1938, Page 5

NAVAL RACE

JAPANESE THREAT

MEETING NEW DANGER

TILT AT UNITED STATES

PRESENT NAVY AMPLE

INCREASES RESENTED

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Feb. 4, 11 a.m.) .LONDON, Feb. 3. An important statement on Japanese naval policy was issued in Tokio today by the official spokesman for the navy, Admiral Noda.

“If in future I feel that our national defence is endangered, if, for instance, very Strong military establishments arise near our country, or near the Far East, or a big increase of armaments which we regard as menacing our national security, then Japan will be obliged to increase her armaments to cope with that new situation,” he said.

“Britain and America have the greatest navies. No countries are menacing them. Nevertheless, they have begun big building programmes whidli are an incentive to other nations to follow in the building race.”

Admiral Noda reiterated that the rumour that Japan was building 42,000ton battleships was .groundless. Britain Seeks Information ‘tit seems,” he said, "that some nations are using the special situation in the Far East as a pretext for building programmes. As has often been emphasised, Japan respects, and will continue to respect, other countries' rights and interests in China. I cannot comprehend why other countries scatter vessels, or need to double the standard of their navies.

“Particularly, according to various authorities, the American navy is ample for defence, so it cannot feel a menace from other countries. Our naval policy is not a menace, and is not for aggression. If others trust us, which we hope, then there is no reason why .others should increase their navies.”

The Australian Associated Press understands that Admiral Noda’s reference to strong military establishments might be to Hongkong, Manila, and Alaska, as the Singapore base is not new.

“Japan is being asked immediately to state definitely whether she intends to build battleships over 35,000 tons. This step,” says the Daily Mail’s diplomatic correspondent, “was decided yesterday by the British and American Governments after Mr. Herschell Johnson, United States Charge d'Afl'aires in London, had seen Mr. Anthony Eden. If Japan prevaricates or admits that she is building such ships, Britain and America will alter their pending programmes accordingly.”