Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-11-29
JUSTIFIES JAP
NAVAL PLAN BY
REAL FIGURES
Wide Divergence Between Ma
tiOnal Experts Must Be
Bridged.
POWER RATIOS DEBATED
Special to Indiana Daily Times
and Philadelphia Public Ledger.
BY NIASTROI ITO

and Philadelphia Public Ledger.
BY MASUROI ITO
OF the Jill, Japan's Foremost Naval
Writer.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29.-Expert ne
gotiation relative TO Japan's claim Of
tonnage increase, 1t seems to me, was
virtually over when the American ex-
perts replied to several questions which
japanese experts put forward. Among
other things, difference in the tonnage
ratio between the United States Navy and
Japan's. which was worked out by each
expert is so wide that it might be i'm
possible to bridge over. 1t was reported
the japanese experts after careful study
arrived at the conclusion that the Jap
anese claim is automatically justified
because Of her present strength, ranging
from s. per cent to So per cent under the
six different methods Of calculation the
average thereof being 70.5 per cent.
Japan's 1917 demand, therefore, based Oh
the tactical conviction for her national
security, it was believed, is strongly re
infOrced by an uncontroversal fact
Whereas the American answer handed
10 Japan's experts proves entirely out of
compromise in which Japan's present
strength under four different methods of
calculation are shown as 45 per cent 53,
40 and 60. instead Of Japan's calculation
Of from 81 to s. per cent Where did
such a divergence of calculation come
from: Ii might result from divergence
Of opinion with regards to the meaning
Of naval strength" If so. a years dis
cussion viii end in vain without getting
at any agreement am convinced.
therefore, the time has just set in when
the three chief delegates will settle It
frazr -
derstanding
POLITICAL ASPECT
OF QUESTION.
To settle this question on politicaI
ground it is absolutely necessary to sat
lsry national aspiration to such an
extent that it may not irritate a class
or people with common sense In other
words, the ratio Of our naval strength
agreed here must be sufficient for home
water defense, below which the nation
can never rest at ease. Put it in another
way, the United States naval su-
premacy should be tactically insufficient
10 wage an offensive war near the jan
anese coast If this authenticated by a
tactical diagram or in a ratio Of siren 9Th
Of offensive warcrafts, the japanese peo-
PIE who have for some years been told
about a possible American sea attack
viii surely be relieved Of any fear
brought to conscience that the whole
intention Of the Uriced States. by which
the Washington conference is inspired. is
nothing more han a peace on the Pacific
JAPAN WANTS
20 PER CENT NAVY.
Expressed cOncreteIy, the japanese ma
III n Is thoroughly satisfied when her de-
rand Of 40 per cent navy meets Amer
is her fervent belief in. and the deepest
respect for the United States: thereby
not only the real lasting peace of the
Pacific and the Far East is assured but
also the further reduction Of naval
strength, without affecting its relative
efficiency, is very likely to follow.
WHAT DIFFERENT
RATIOS MEAN.
The 1915 ratio gives &C per cent to the
United States Navy in her supremacy
over Japan's. The 1917 claim is to lessen
that supremacy below 30 per cent. only
TO remove her fear Of being attacked
Japan's offensive with 20 per cent navy
Is unthinkable. Americas defensive Sc
curity is plain enough. But is it beneath
your dignity or prestige to change YOUR
proposed ratio after getting together
negotiation? Insofar as 1916 ratio is a
proposal subject to discussion, not bit
OF a dictated one, we are confident, a re-
vision is simply natural when a better
effect is clearly forseen.
Here much better effect is clearly
seen by satisfying japanese aspiration
without, in the slightest degree, affecting
Americas national security. Within the
compass Of naval ratio agreement. the
Japanese nation ardently hopes for 20
per cent navy standing side by side with
the experts conviction and the Cabinets
approval thereof. If it is possible to
prevent both navies from firing at each
other in any event on the Pacific, by
means Of a treaty, the naval ratio ques-
ton might find a broader way out. Until
otherwise 1 again express my hearty
wish that the American public will not
hesitate in bordering over Japan's
safety First" aspiratiOn.--COpyrigh
1921, by Public Ledger Company.