The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-11-16
Four Changes Proposed
BY Britain and Two
By Japan.
AND ITALY
ASK ALLOWANCES
Question of Ship Yards
Puts America at a
Disadvantage.
BY HENRY WALES.

Modification of the 6-5-3 plan be-
gan ofncialIy and earnestly yester-
day.
j After agreeing "in principle, to
the American disarmament scheme
as "a basis OF discussion" In con-
formity with recognized rules Of
international contsrences-for to
have rejected the plan would have
broken up the parley-the visiting
delegations have begun to warp II
out Of shape by suggesting changes
and amendments.
Exemptions suggested.-
Eight proposals for alterations
and exemptions have been men,
toned.
| They comprise
Britain-Limitation of the size
and tonnage of submarines. Aban-
donment of the 10-year naval holi-
day" and constr uction of one ship
year for the next decade to keep
the naval shipyards and workmen
/
police the high seas" entailing ad-
ditional light cruisers and gunboats
| beyond the complementary number
in proportion 10 capital ships. Re-
| ductlon of the number of naval ship
building yards in exact ratio to the
decrease in the number OF capital
ships.
Japan-Increase in strength of the
Japanese navy from 60 per cent Of
the British and American strengths
to 70 per cent. Cessation of con-
struction OF new fortifications and
naval bases in the Pacific.
France-AllowaRce of eight "capi-
tai ships" to safeguard French col
onial interests in Africa. Madagas-
car and the Far East; and the
Mediterranean.
ships" to protect Italian interests
in the e'Mediterranean and the Adri-
attic.
Would Build for Others.
An additional ninth suggestion,
permitting construction Of warships
for other powers is expected Jointly
from the British and Jopanese, the
former being particularly anxious to
retain the lucrative business built
up Of providing navies for smaller
states.
| All these suggestions and amend
ments will be examined and dis
cussed by the technical subcommit-
tee, composed of the heads of the
naval sections of the various dele
cations. American Official circles
stated last evening that all Of the
proposed amendments and changes
would be examined and indicated
that some of them at least would Be
incorporated in the original plan as
submitted by Mr.. Hughea
The British admiralty viewpoint
Is that the submarine Is an "unde-
sirable naval weapon" and contrary
to the principles of Humanitarian
warfare.
During the Paris peace confer
ence in 1919 the British and Amerf-
can naval delegations were in ac-
| cord in a wish to suppress all sub
marine warcraft.
Grant Submarine Failed.
Since the surrender Of lls Ger.
man submarines after the armistice
and examination by the allies of
their new-type Diesel engines, fre
control. improved periscopes, and
other Innovations, the British began
experiments with submarines en-
bodying all German features hith-
| erto unknown. Following the fail
ure of a giant steam submarine
| and submersible monitor armed
with 12-inch guns, the British again
| reversed their attitude toward sub
marines and continue to regard
them with disfavor.
Despite bad luck in certain Of
their experiments, however, the
| American naval authorities have
| continued to view submarines as an
important factor in naval opera.
tions, and are not disposed to ac-
cept readily the British reduction
| proposal.
Germans and Japanese.
The japanese adopted even q
more favorable attitude toward the
submarine, following inspection and
| examination of the U-boats turned
| over to them after the armistice, 1t
has been reported that German en-
gineers and designers from the
Hamburg works have aided the
Japanese naval authorities in con-
struction Of their latest type of sub
| marines.
Britain's proposal to reduce nava,
ship yards In proportion to the
Limitation in the number of capital
ships is supported by the Japanese.
Adoption OF this suggestion is re-
garded in American quarters as a
direct menace to the United States
position In the naval warfare as
both her rivals. In their role of
commercial shfpbuilding, would
thus retain numerous ways. sims
and drydocks capable Of handling
war ships as well as passenger
liners and freighters.
Leaves U. 5. at DisadvantaEe.
America would drop behind stead.
ily.. II Is pointed out. because Of
the continual curtailment in her
shipping construction which prom-
ises to become even more accen.
tuated as the world tonnage IN.
creases and world trade diminishes
through adverse exchange rates.
Britain and Japan, maintaining
commercial shipyards to build and
keep in commission 600 foot liners
Of $4,000 tonnage burden, would al.
ways have equipment ready to con.1
struct and overhaul warahin. 40