NAVAL BUILDING

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20423, 14 February 1938, Page 7

NAVAL BUILDING

JAPAN’S REPLY INFORMATION NOT SUPPLIED NO MENACE TO OTHERS RESPONSIBILITY ON BRITAIN United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright TOKIO, Feb. 12. The Japanese replies to the British. American and French Notes asking for information as to her naval building plans, have been delivered to the respective Embassies. They are couched in identical terms. Tiie Cabinet at an extraordinary meeting approved the terms of the replies. refusing to supply Britain and America with naval building details. The replies state that Japan is ready at any time to enter into discussions giving first place to quantitative limitation- The action of the three Powers was unfair, say the Notes, as it implied that Japan was violating treaties to which she was not a signatory. Japan has no intention of possessing a Navy which would be a menace to other' countries and the mere communication of information concerning her construction programme would not contribute to equitable disarmament. In the absence of quantitative limitation the British proposal to discuss a limitation of tonnages and calibres would not conduct to a realisation of Japan's desire for disarmament. The responsibility for any future development, therefore, must be borne by the leading naval Powers. Japan would profoundly regret if the Powers undertook still more extensive consi ruction. leaving Japan no alternative but to alter her plans to cope with it. Japan was not behind any Power hi the desire to realise such fair reductions of naval armaments as would contribute to the promotion of amity and peace throughout the world. She invites all really devoted to world peace carefully to consider her offer to discuss disarmament based on quantitative limitation.

The replies added: “Japan sees no logical reasoning in the assumption that she is entertaining the construction of vessels not in conformity with the treaty because she does not supply information.” Britain Accused An accompanying Note says, inter alia: “ Britain is causing considerable apprehension in other countries. She has embarked on a colossal armament programme and the United States apparently is following her example. Therefore. it is unfair in view of the many countries which are expanding their armaments that the non-disclosure of the Japanese programme should be made the reason for armament expansion.” Naval circles describe the Powers’ approach as a diplomatic blunder and an affront to the nation, stiffening the hitherto more moderate naval men's disposition to dispel foreign misgivings. REACTION IN AMERICA A BUILDING RACE “ BLUE SKY' THE LIMIT ” United Press A°=n—ew Te! Copyright NEW YORK, Feb. 12 Japan’s refusal to disclose her naval intentions or to discuss limitation agreements on a basis acceptable to the United States is interpreted officially as a direct challenge to a ” blue sky’’ naval building race.

The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says the re-action in Government circles to the tone and contents of the Japanese Note is indicated by the fact that only the refusal of Congress to vote funds will prevent the construction by the United States of the greatest Navy the world has ever seen.

It is expected that the State Department will consult the British and French Governments early next week with £ view to bringing about a mutual absolution from the qualitative limitations of the London Naval Treaty.