Evening journal., 1921-12-15
WILL Change
NAVY PLANS;
FLEETS Will
BE STRONGER
Continued From First Page0


day II Britain is allowed them.
Under the agreement so far
reached Japan would have to scrap
the Setsu II she keeps the Mutsu.
The Americans and British hav-
ing acquieseced in principle to
Japanese retention OF the Mutsu are
ready to let America keep the Col
orado, thereby making Americas
total tonnage around $4,000 instead
of the original 100000 proposed in
the Hughes program. Japan's tom
mage would be about $4,000 instead
Of 100000. The difficulty. however
is what to allow Britain. II she is
granted the superhoods the EFFECT
would be 70 increase her tonnage
beyond the Hughes limits"
Such arming as Britain requires
means at once the over balancing of
the program. Hughes pointed out in
his original program speech that
Britain at the outset would have a
larger navy than America-around
100000 tons-but with many pre-
Jutland types which are less useful
than many American ships.
The British experts, however, have
submitted the alternative proposals
pointed out above in the hope that
one or the other will meet the situa-
ton. 1t appears that the sovereign
scheme will be adopted. This would
not add so much to the tonnage.
Moreover. construction Of superhoods
would mean Britain would have to
have special docks since these YES
sells are of a unique type not en-
ployed in any navy.
The French naval claims appar-
emily are not worrying the big three
at the moment though they will be
given serious attention. 1t is doubt
ful il France is given more than a
40 per cent. ratio.
France wants the right OF 315. 900
tons OF ships. Hence II France were
granted this and Italy were to get an
equal fleet, Japan would stand fifth
among the worlds navies and Bri-
tain would have-under a possible
French-Ital entente-an allied
navy greater than her own to con-
tend against should these two ever
make war upon her. This align
ment will be opposed by Britain and
will not have American or japanese
support.
Albert Sarrautt. newly established
head of the French delegation.
found his duty in persuading the
arms parley. that France should be
third in theory, at least, in the
naval ratio.
Senator Schanzer declared that
the previous French delegates. Bri-
and an dViviani. had both agreed
to Italian equality with France in
naval matters.
Sarraut had ready reasons why
France should have a clear cut third
place.
The FRENCH stand is first, that
France. before the war, had a naval
program. which uninterrupted would
by 1922 have found her with 475.O0C
tons OF capital ships. France liter
ally fired away this navy in defense
Of civilization. She turned 10000
600 shells for the Allies completely
suspending battleship building dur
ing the war.
Second, France will ask that the
conference cut from this figure 475,-
600 a slice proportionate to that
taken from the naval strength OF
United States. Great Britain and
Japan, 80 per cent. This would
give her approximately a paper ton.
mage OF $4,000 tons.
The Italians today expressed oper
disappointment at the turn eventi
/ had taken.
I'VE understood" said Senator
Schanzer, this conference was t.
reduce armaments."
Italy now finds herself in a posi-
ion where, to keep pace with France
she may have to build. instead o
reducing. She is forced to ask for
larger quota than ever she dreame,
Of.