New-York tribune., 1921-11-19
Expert Opinion
Is 1858 RATIO
Will Hold Good
Belief Prevails Japan Will
Bow to American-British
Attitude and Omit Ask
ing Drastic Ch ange
u. S. Made a Concession
Consuliants Took Stand
Philippines Called for 2
to1 Pacific Fleets Line-Up

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (By The
Associated Press) s).--Technical experts
OF the five governments who are deal
ing with Secretary Hughes's specific
plan for naval reductions and limita-
tion feel that distinct progress is being
made toward ultimate agreement.
There has been, it is known, a con-
siderable elaboration of the American
proposals IS they were terssly stated by
Mr.. Hughes. In the directness of his
statement to the conference the
pause to explain how the various ratios
OF tonnage strength suggested for the
three major naval powers had been fixed.
This work is now understood to be
going on among the experts, paving
the way for detailed discussion.
1t was certain that British naval ex-
perts regard their country as already
committed, through Mr.. Balfour's
speech of acceptance, to what might
be called the "5-5-3 ratio" of naval
strength as between Great Britain, the
United States and Japan. That is re-
sarded in both American and British
circles as the heart of the matter.
formal announcement by Admiral
Baron Kato for Japan that he would
ask an upward revision of the general
tonnage ratio to give Japan slightly
higher proportionate status does not
leave 1T entirely clear, however, as to
the extent Japan regards herself as
committed to the American proposals.
AT first glance Baron Kato's speech of
acceptance was generally construed as
agreement to the "5-5-3 ratio" but this
may prove not to be the case.
Navy Favors 81 Rates
There is nothing to indicate, how
ever. that any formal presentation has
yet been made in the technical group
by the Japanese to place proposed
modlf1cations in concrete form. 1t is
said repeatedly that she will ask for
retention of the battleship Mutsu and
another capital ship, representing about
II per cent increase for japan in the
American suggested proportion, or, a
10-10-7 ratio instead of 5-5-3. but there
Is no official Japanese declaration to
this effect.
1t is known definitely that American
naval opinion does not look upon the
"o-o-3 ratio" as all that could be de-
sired from the standpoint Of national
security and the anticipated resolution
OF the United States in any emergency
to defend the Philippines. Navy opi1,,
Ion would look at to / ratio be-
tween the United States and Japan as
proper, in view of the long distance
from the American coast of the proh-
able theater of action. The "5-5 q
ratle,' it seems likely, was put FOR
ward by Secretary Hughes and his col
leagues to demonstrate American good
faith and induce Japan's agreement to
the whole reduction and limitation
proposition. ~ -
Once the ratio was fixed, however. it
became the duty Of American naval ex-
perts TO translate it into concrete
terms, and that was done. The rule
was applied all down the line Of COM
bat and auxiliary craft in framing the
American proposal.
mat being the case, necessity of ey-
planning Just why the "6-5-3 ratio" an
peared fair to all parties in the Ameri-
can view may call for much plain talk
among the experts of the techniea1 II
committee. It is not to be exnected
that the public will be treated to anv
iuii version of what goes on in tbe
committee room or the ACCOMPANYING
exchange of documents. ~ - b
Room for Adjustments
There is said to be room for con-
siderable give and take in details of
The program to be worked out bnt
the "6-5-S ratio" does not al annear ear
likely to be altered materially. as if
seems: to be the key to the whole
Amsrican america position and to have been
There is a growing feeling that the
navies of France and Italy will have
to be brought info the scheme in .
definite way before it can be trans
lated finally into an internationa]
agreement. That point already has
impressed itself on the various naval
experts. They understand Mr.. HUGHES
to have proposed most swee ping
agreement, one that runs beyond anv
mere, period of years, permanent
na,,., navai l., relationship nh between the three
only. the first step in the scheme. Re.
yond that lies the American replace.
ment scheme to run indefinitely.
a Policemen Slain 2O