The New York herald., 1921-11-09
Continued from First Page.

Continued from First Page.
of the conclusions of tho conference
Baron Kato said:
THE contrary Is definitely tho case,
and the repetition of the statement is
unwarranted in view of the fact that
when the Washington conference was
first proposed and at other times subse-
quent officials Of the japanese Govern
ment, including myself. have stated that
Japan would not insist upon carrying
out her present Eight and eignt pro-
gramme. but Is ready to cut 1t down In
agreement with the Powers concerned.
provided the safety Of Japah is as
sured"
The Japanese Naval Secretary. who
spoke in Japanese, appeared to be eager
to dissipate any impression that Night
make 1t appear that his Government is
not favorable to any agreement that
will interfere with plans already formed.
The Baron expressed himself with mani
fest frankness and replied to questions
in such a manner as to convey the i'm
preston that he and his associates will
favor any formula for the reduction of
ornaments as may be acceptable to the
United States.
Instructions Are Inferred.
His definition Of the Japanese position
regarding the armament phase of the
conference deliberations Is understood
to have been made under instructions
from Toxic this morning. which directed
the delegation of that country to pro-
ceed with the programme adopted by the
Hara Ministry. There is complete justi-
fication for the statement that these in
structions will not be changed as the re-
suit of the assassination of the Japanese
Premier. o
1T should be made clear" said Baron
Kato. that Japan is not only not insist
ing upon her programme. but is ready to
cut down, If there Is an agreement
among the other Powers to cut down.
Japan will not insis- upon carrying
out any programme but will meet any
agreement which can be reached among
the Powers concerned.
The Baron made 1t clear that he ex-
pected cut in the naval programme to
be projected and emphasized that Japan
was ready to enter a limitation agree
ment. This he said, was the Japanese
policy.
But" he continued. IT want to make
1t equally clear that limitation cannot
be made by Japan alone"
Asked as to the basis on which Japan
would cut her building programme the
Admiral replied:
I'VE expected that a proposition in
this regard would be made by the Amer
lean delegates. Japan will be glad to
consider entertain and answer these
proposals"
The Japanese spokesman would not
say that counter proposals would be
made or that discussion would take the
form Of counter proposals. He added:
II have no suggestions no programme
or no proposition to offer. We wait
upon discussion Of the conference call"
Japan Has No Platform.
The Baron indicated that Japan had
no platform, no hard and fast rule. but
was willing to go along on any basis
that could be agreed on.
Asked as to reports that Japan was
building to match the United States and
Great Britain, Baron Kato said: Japan
never has expected and does not expect
to have a navy equal to that Of Great
Britain or Of the United States, We
have had q programme to meet our re-
quirements and our abilities and have
kept within that programme"
The Japanese spokesman was asked
to give Japan's reasons for large navy
He replied:
Your question Is rather difficult to
answer. but every nation feeling the ne
cessity Of self-defence must be provided
with the forces for self-defence. With
regard to the degree. that depends upon
many factors relating to internal condi-
tions ard otherwise, and upon relations
with other nations. For instance, in
the Orient Japan is insular, and should
there exist nation which intends to
attack Japan the naval force alone Is
sufficient to defend the country. You
know. moreover, thai Japan is not self
sustaining That fact should make clear
the necessity for O navy. 1t depends al
together on the point of view as to
whether a navy Is large or small. I do
not myself consider the navy of Japan
to be too great. Our programme is In
ferior to that of both Great Britain and
the United States"
The encouraging expressions COM