The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-11-14
KATO SAYS HUGHES
HAS CLAR|F|
THE SITUATION
Japanese Delegates Say Their
Nation Has Never Wanted
to Rival the Ameri-
can Navy
BY Associated Press

Washington, November 13.-Sec-
rotary Hughes announcements
at the inaugural session of the arm
ament conference "have clarified"
the situation, Admiral Baron Kato
declared at reception given to-
night at the Shoreham by Baron
Shidehara, the japanese ambassa-
dor. The reception was arranged
to present journalists who are re-
porting proceedings of the arms con-
ference to the Japanese plenipoten-
tiaries and had been postponed un-
til tonight on account of the assas-
sination of Premier Hara. A num-
Der of distinguished Americans, not
of the journalistic profession, also
were present.
Baron Shldehara introduced Ad-
nfral Kato and Prince Tokugawa, and
then called upon Frederick Roy Mar
tin. general manager of the Assoc
clated Press, to respond as the rep
hrlesentatfve of American journal
ism"
Admiral Kato pointed out that up
to the present Japan has had fears
which have caused her to continue
naval construction, but. with fears on
both sides obliterated, he was conf
dent that an agreement, so far as ia
pai. and the United states are con-
ccrned. could not fail to come.
Prince Tokugawa declared that If
anyone feared the failure of the con-
ference before leaviSg Japan. that
fear had been dispeiled since arriving
in the United States.
ut is a great privilege that I have
this evening to meet SO many distin-
guisEed men of so powerful profess
sion, and II seems only proper for me
to take this occasion to say that ia
pan brings to this conference only
proffers of friendship and seeks only
friendship from 1t.
1.-THE costs of armament have
now become heavy that they
are n burden hampering produce
tive activity throughout the
world, and Japnn. like other coun-
tries. rejoices mt the prospect of
relief That is now offered. Civ
iIiyatiOn must put an end to the
swollen ornaments of the world,
or else armament Will put nm end
to civilization.
"Up to the present, Japan has
had fears which have caused her
a.
navy has always been defensive.
II has never been her policy or
Intention to attempt to rival
either of the two grente~t navies
of the world. And 7 am now hap
by to believe whatever fears she
might have entertained win he
dfssiDnted by frank interchanges
of views Mt the present confer
cnce. The public pronOupeemenfs
of the Secretary OF state mt the
inaugural session OF the confer
ence have clarified the situation.
Meantime, assurance from us Is
unnecessary: the great distance that
lies between our shores and those OF
America and the supremacy of the
United States In wealth size and re-
sources, make needless any words
that we could pledge.
with fears on both sides obliter-
ated. an agreement. so far as Japan
and the United States are concerned,
cannot fail to come. 1t is with this
view that the Japanese delegation
VIII proceed to a detailed expression
of the American proposals which show
convincing sincerity of purpose"
Prince Tokugawa spoke as follows:
This Is my first appearance before
what Baron Shidehara has called the
press of the world. and naturally I
am diffident. But. although humble,
am also inspired. The thought of
the millions of earnest people whom
you represent increases my desire to
accomplish the great work that has
been entrusted to me and to my col
leagues who have already spoken to
you.
Gentlemen. we cannot doubt
the success of the conference. II
any of feared its failure be-
fore leaving Japan. that fear
has been dispclled since our ar
rival here. Everywhere we see
earnestness and sincerity, we
have seen no sign of unfrfendIi-
ness. And the words which the
President md the Secretary of
state spoke yesterday have
thrilled us mo- less than they have
thrilled the nations of Europe
and America.
Two great needs confront a
troubled world today, which Is large
ly your mission to supply These are
light and faith. Upon you more
heavily perhaps. than upon any