Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-12-02
May. Change View
Continues from Pace Ons)

Japan who asks for ration of ten
tcn-seven."
All the principals on both sides of
the controversy refused tonight to rec
ognize the situation as a deadlock.
authoritatively, were even declining
to regard Baron Katos proposal fer
an increased japanese strength as a
formal presentation of the Japanese
viewpoint. They were confident. it
was declared, that the "ten-ten-seven'
proportion would be abandoned before
Japanese final statement of position is
finally placed before the conference.
It is apparent that il the proposal
OF the Japanese statesman is not to
be regarded as formal. the reason lies
in the fact that it was not passed
across the table" at a formal session
of the arms conference or any OF it's
regularly constituted Subdivisions.
Baron Kato's request for an increase
over the American ratio was communi-
Gated to. Secretary Hughes and Arthur
J. Balfour at a meeting OF the three
late Tuesday afternoon. In relating
Japanese plenipotentiary touched oil
the reasons witch impelled him to
make the request and asked that the
question Of national needs be taken
into account in determining the new
naval, relatively.
In response. Secretary Hughes and
Mr.. Balfour made plain the opposition
of the American and British delega-
tions to vitality changing the basis OF
ratio determination, and Baron kato
indicated he desired before going fur
Their to communicate again with his
government. Since then the three
have not met to discuss the question,
but their conversations are to be re-
sumed when further advices have
been received from Toxic.
During the lull a new attempt was
begun today to settle the long debated
ShantunE controversy, but in view of
the status Of the naval negotiations
the Shantung conversations were look
ed on by many of the delegates as a
small part of the main picture. Secre~
tary Hughes and Mr.. Balfour exercis-
ing their good Offices" met with the
Japanese and Chinese delegations for a
preliminary survey of the situation
and than left American and British
observers" on the ground to aid in
whatever way they can to bring the
two oriental groups into agreement
Tho part taken by Mr.. Hughes and
Mr.. Balfour in the meeting was sa id
to have been confined to general
statement of confidence that a Just and
fair solution would be reached. Baron
kato responding for Japan and Minis
ter SEE for China, with general express
sions of qualification in the interest
taken by the two other powers. TIL.
session lasted little more than an hour.
and afterwards it was indicated that
it had not been determined whether
Japan or China should make the first
move. There will be another meeting
tomorrow.
The note of optimism over the out
come Of the naval discussions was par
ticularly manifest tonight among the
Japanese. While refraining from any
comment on the British position Baron
Kato said he would not regard the sit
uation as constituting a deadlock. and
another member of the Japanese dele
CATION, using a different phrase, en-
phasized that I'VE are not pess:mistic. -
The submission Of the entire sub
feet to Toxic indicates that under jap
anese system it will be considered by
the Japanese cabinet as we'll as by
the diplomatic advisory council, a BODY
composed of eminent japanese chiefly
former ministers. Representative
Japanese express the opinion tonight
that in order to reach a decision every
element connected with the question
must be taken into consideration, with
the result that the exchanges here
might be slowed down appreciabIy.
1t has also been limited that the
question of strength of navies is link
cd up in the Japanese mind with the
prospect Of obtaining some under
standing with reference to general pol
icies in the Far East. The existing
status of the Anglo-Japanese alliance
is modified to bring it into harmony
with the covenant Of the League of
Nations. is believed TO be a n,ctter of
considerable concern to Japanese
statesmen who. IL they are unable to
obtain 4 renewal Of the alliance, would
desire to see some substitute agree
ment, or understanding. which will as
sure to them the possibility of a le-
climate development in the Far East
without, ., menace from other strong
naval powerss
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