JAPAN’S EXCESS OF SUBMARINES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20514, 4 September 1936, Page 9

JAPAN’S EXCESS OF SUBMARINES

BRITAIN'S INVOCATION OF ESCALATOR CLAUSE British Official Wireless (Received September 3, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, September 2 A Note Was received at the Fbfeign Office fi-om the Japanese Embassy in London containing the Japanese Government’s reply to the Note of the British Government sent on Jiily 15, in which Britain announced het intention to invoke the escalator clause Under the London NaVa! Treaty of 1930, and to keep 40,000 tons of over-age destroyers in excess of 150,000 tons permitted under Article XVI of the Treaty. In its Note the Japanese Government states its Intention, in these circumstances to keep 15,598 tons of submarines as Well as 11,059 tons of destroyers in excess of the Treaty figures to make up the extra 28,000 tons to which they become entitled in view of the British invocation of the escalator clause. No Legal Argument The reason given is that it has not sufficient over-age destroyer tonnage alone to make up the total. The Japanese Government In its Note does not adduce any legal arguments to support the correctitiide of its proposed action under the terms of the London Treaty. It Is feared that the Japanese decision will disturb British and American submarine ratios, for which reason it Is being carefully considered. BRITAIN’S NAVY NEW CRUISER LAUNCHED British Official Wireless (Received September 3, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, September 2 The Hew cruiser Birmingham, which Is of the Southampton class, was launched at Devonport dockyard by Lady Chamberlain, Wife of Sir Austen Chamberlain, who was also present. The new cruiser. which cost £1,283,115, is scheduled for completion by the autumn of 1937. The slip she occupied will be prepared immediately to receive the keel plate of the Gloucester, a cruiser of the same class, which is to be launched next year.