Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-11-28
NAVAL EXPERTS
Continued from Page One)

Both the British and American eX-
perts were reported as having con-
cluded their examination of the mass
of ship data involved in Secretary
Hughes proposals. The Japanese
naval group was still toiling on Sat
urday, it was said. Spokesman for
any group did not go beyond that es-
innate Of the situation.
A summary of last weeks devel-
opments as to the naval proposals
indicates the following status:
American officers have seen no
reason in arguments advanced by
Japan to warrant any change in the
keystone of the agreement Mr..
Hughes proposed, the "5-3-3'
British naval officials have ac-
cepted that ratio, although it means
ultimate equalization of the Amer
lean and British fleets in power.
Japanses officers have opposed the
American ratio, immediate or future,
urging a ten ten seven relative status
instead.
American naval Opinion strongly
opposes retention by Japan of the
battleship Mutsu ubless both powers
similarly and in due proportion en-
large their fleets to be retained dur
ing the 10-ycar holiday in building.
There are indications that some mem
bers of tho American delegation which
will decide the American attitude see
strength in the arguments of Japan
that the Mutsu might have been in
Guided as a completed ship in the re-
tanned fleets. There is nothing to
indicate however, that compromise
is being considered in the American
group on this point.
British opinion as to tho Mutsu
controversy has been withheld. hut it
has been indicated that Great Britain
is not DESTROYS OF undertaking any
further naval construction at this
time. which seems to forecast agree
ment with the American view. that
the Mutsu should not be retained.
The next step. when the three
groups of experts have concluded
their work will he their report to the
armaments committee. 1t seems
I'htlH. tildI tNtH IL tlit fit'iNil anu
American experts arc found to be
in accord as to the general accuracy
Of the original American figures, the
japanese naval officers will submit
differing conclusions. 1t will then
become the task of the big five"
committee to seek an agreement on a
report to he made at a plenary ses-
Of No i+cn1f
How long that would take it was diff
flcult to forecast.
British opposition to the submarine
clement of Mr.. Hughes limitation
plan. was certain to ha one of the
chief points to be discussed by the
committee and tho conference. To
what extent the naval experts have
dealt with it is not known. It is
known however. that no proposals for
abolishing submarines has been put
forward.
The British delegates arc prepared
to press thcir--siew that not only
should Mr.. Hughes replacement all
lowancn Of 10000 tons in submarines
for the British fleet and the Amer
lean fleet and that 10000 for Japan
he reduced. perhaps cut in half, but
that the size of future submarines
should he limited to continc them
largely to defensive operations.
IT appears likely that sub commit
tees of the conference will he named
to deal with such questions as sub
marines. Girplane carriers. French
JtoIion nort ratios and other p,attCrS
subsidiary to the main point of tho
whole naval limitation program, the
japanese fleet ratio.