The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1921-12-15
Big Three Had Session To-
day; Naval Ratio Prob
lem Discussed
make GOOD PROGRESS
Will Take Up Ratios Of
French and Italians
Right Away
CBy Associated Press)

CBy Associated Press)
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15-Con-
sideration fthe naval ratio ques-
tion was understood to have been
completed today by the big three
OF the Washington conference.
Meeting at the state depart
ment, Secretary Hughes, Arthur J.
Balfour and Admiral Baron Kato
spent an hour discussing, 1t was
understood. thenayal ratio question
and at the breakup of the session
1t was indicated Ihcy would not
meet again. This was taken to
forecast final and complete agree
ment on Limitation Of naval arma,
ment as regards the United States,
Japan and Great Britain.
Plans for a meeting later today
Of the new naval committee OF 10
representing all FIVE of the naval
powers, were made after the con-
clusion of the session OF the big
three. 1t was Indicated that an
announcement OF the agreement
on naval matters between Great
Britain, the |Unltd States and
Japan would be mde during the
afternoon.
The calling of the first meeting
of tSe committee OF l 5 was expect
ed to result in the taking up i'm
medlnteIy Of tho next step in the
naval negotiatlons-the French
and italian naval ratios. This
could not be considered by the
conference until the agreement
between tho other three powers
had been compiled.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 15-Alter-
nate proposals relating to tie 5-5
g ratio, as worked out, apparently
overnight. by naval experts, we're
presented today to Secretary
HughesC Mr.. Balfour and Baron
Kato, which indicated. according to
delegation speakers that no formal
agreement had been reached by
the big three.
The proposals submitted as a
means of balancing the naval ratio
to compensate for the retention of
the Mutsu by Japan would permit
Great Britain to build two super
Hoods, scrapping four old dread
naughts and one battle cruiser, of
the type OF the Tiger and Repuise
or TO build two battleships of the
Royal Sovereign class.
It was said that these altera-
tions are combined with all sorts
OF questions as TO the method of
calculating tonnage. whether by
tire American or by the British or
Japanese systems,
The increase Of the American
tonnage by $4,000 would admit
the substitution Of the super
dreadnaughts Colorado and Wash
ington for the older buttleships
Delaware and North Dakota.
Japan in retaining the Mutsu
would scrap the Setsu.
The substantial effect OF tie
adoption of either of these alter
natives would be to retain the
naval ratio of 5-5-2, while admit
ting a general Increase Of tonnage
all round.
The Spokeman said some Of the
naval ratio as far as Japan was
concerned was involved with that
Of Qualifications In the Pacific,
$50 far as the question of fOrt!-
ficatlons and works are concern
ed" the British spokesman added.
"The suggestion has ben made
that these remain in status quo;
the works should not be proceeded
with either by the United States
or Japan. Both the United States
and Japan have had certain works
in contemplation In certain islands
and the suggestion is that no inr-
ther steps should be taken along
these lines.
No formal decision has been ar
rived Mt on that point although me
decision has ben proceeding on the
assumption that an arrangement
would be possible concerniEs
American and Japanese works in
the Pacific"
Difficulties in considering this
phase Of the question, II was said
was with special reference to the
British program, necessitating the
construction by Great Britain OF
two super-hoods which would IN
crease her tonnage allotment be-
yond the limit fixed in the Ameri'
can proposal submitted to the arms
conference at its opening session,
at should be pointed ont" Brit
ish spokesman said, that under
the arrangement respecting United
States ships, tho United States
CContIpued on page e.ahtl