New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-18

cancellation of the twenty-one de-
uands. This is better than Japanese
activity. Therefore the fate. of the
empire must be regarded as depending
entirely on the results of the confer
ence."
The Navy Department welcomes a
conference on disarmament, which al
ready has been advocated by Vice-Ad-
miral Baron Kato, Minister of Marine.
Understanding Sought
Japan is not necessarily averse to a
discussion of Far Eastern questions,
but it is very anxious for an cxpiana-
ton beforehand of these questions.
Negotiations between the United
States and Japan relative to the status
OF the Island of zap have progressed
SO favorably that it is now confidently
expected settlement of that question
will have been reached before con-
vening of the conference called by
President Harding, according to the
Kokusai News Agency which quotes
well informed sources"
Despite. the reservations contained
in Japan's reply to President Har-
ding's invitation, the answer is re-
garded as a virtual acceptance.
1t is forecast that when America
defines the problems to be taken up
at the conference Japan will prepare
list of questions which she deems
essential for discussion. These, it
is expected, will be roughly grouped
under the headings of population.
food and raw materials, the last OF
WHICH. it is contended. should be freely
from the United States and India.
The opinion is also prevalent that,
as limitation of ornaments is world
issue, there is. no reason why dis
cussion of international problems
should be confined to the Far East on
the ground that the Far East is a
possible regional seat of causes of
war. Several Japanese leaders are
quoted as believing that there are
equally grave possibilities of war in
Europe and as favoring that the con-
ference also go into such questions as
war lndemnities. Greco Turkish re-
iatlens and the Silesian situation.
After emphasizing the statement
that japan is determined to curtail her
essght battleship, eight cruiser program
II an international agreement is
reached, the Nichi Nichi complains
that, Notwithstanding the explanation
or Vice-Admiral Kato, chief of the
Naval Board of Education, Japan
is unable to equal the naval achieve
ments of the leading maritime powers,
@AiASi lCdHS are unQer Che impress
sion that Japan intends to complete her
program whatever happens.
Program Is Relative
"Japan's program" says the Nichi
NIchi, sis relative. 1t is needless to
say that it was framed with a view to
meeting American naval projects. If
America tries to force Japan to curtail
her program without stopping or modi-
lying her own projects it would be I'M
reasonable and inconsistent that
Japan's naval strength should be abso-
lutely defensive while Americas often
sive strength would be so increased
that that country would become the
predominant power in the Orient
Japan's navy is barely sufficient to
maintain the existence of the coun-
try"
Astonshment is expressed here that
there has been comment in the United
States over delay by Japan in answer
ing President Harding's invitation.
The invitation was received in Toxic
July II and was answered July Id. 1t
was said to-day in official quarters
that, considering the Importance of
matters involving the Japanese, the
government acted with remarkable
speed and reached it's decision in rec
ord time.