Evening star., 1921-03-25
Fear of Trouble in Orient Sole
Reason for Expansion,
Admiral Kato Says.
READY FOR HOLIDAY IF
FIRST BEGUN ELSEWHERE
Idea of Present Building Plans
Conceived Even Before Russo
japanese War, He Claims.

BY the Associated Press.
TOXIC, March 24.-Assertions that
the Japanese naval program was
being followed for the purpose of com
peting with the United States Navy
were denounced as "preposterous and
absurd" by Vice Admiral Tomosaburo
kato, Japanese minister of marine, in
an interview with the Associated
Press here today. He declared that
the Japanese naval program had been
formulated so that the island empire
could be defended against any emer-
gencies arising in the far east alone.
During the course of the interview
the minister emphasized the fact that
Japans project to have a fleet of eight
| ia attleships and eight battle cruisers
necessarily irreducible. He indicated
tnat II all the naval powers would
agree to a naval holiday" he would
be willing to enter such an engage
ment. and would not insist upon the
completion of the naval program pro-
Jected by the government.
Idea Originated Years Ago.
In view of the popular movement
for the curtailment of armaments, led
by Yukio OZaki and commercial and
industrial leaders of the empire, as
well as the world interest in disarma-
ment, the correspondent asked NJ.
as possible of Japan's naval policy.
Let me say in beginning" the min
ister explained, that our idea in con-
sidering the existence of the two
squadrons the irreducible minimum
necessary for naval defense orig
mated after the Chino o-Japanese war.
and before the Russo o-Japanese con-
fict. In the war with Russia we had
Two squadrons. each with six capital
ships. and later possessed squadrons
having eight battleships and six
cruisers. After the Russian war
squadrons made up of eight battle
ships and eight cruisers. all capital
ships less than eight years old
The condition of our finances did
not permit the carrying out of this
progra m. so we tried to maintain an
'efght-eight.' While several powers
are trying to build great navies con-
sistine of thirty. forty or even fifty
capital ships of the first line. Japan's
plan for an 'eight-eight' standard
seems moderate. considering the posi-
tion of the island. In counting ships
less than eight years old the eX-
amples of foreign powers have been
our guidance.
Not Aimed mt Any Country.
The trainers of the 'eight-eight'
program did not have in mind any
foreign country as probable enemy.
wish to emphasize that they merely
considered our finances and decided
we could afford to maintain such
navy. by which the island empire
could be defended against any emer-
gencles arising in the far east alone"
NJ. kato dvelt on how the advanced
cost of building and the increased size
of capital ships had enormously expand
ed Japan's naval expenditures until the
budget of 1921 carried $250.000, 900 for
this purpose alone. He said the cost of
what it was before the world war, but
he explained that Japan's determination
TO build big ships was not due to her
own initiative,' but 10 the necessity of
following the latest type OF capital ship
in the great navieS.
"These circumstances" he continued,
combined to cause an increased burden
on the national purses. While we were
pursuing the long contemplated eight
eight program, it was inevitable that
the nation must bear this additional ex-
pense. But it was very deplorable.
VIII Attend Conference.
What is your attitude regarding
conference for the discussion of the
restriction of armaments?" he was
asked
"The japanese government" he re-
piled. Joined the league of nations, and
in doing so supported the principle of
the reduction of armaments.- When
ever there is an international confer
ence on armament reduction 1 will
be only too glad to cooperate honestly
with other governments to give effect
to this principle.
although there is a clamor for the
restriction of armaments throughout
the world, yet, taking into considera-
ton the real international situation
and the present status of the naval
powers. / do not believe our relatively
inferior navy should lead the way in
reducing, nor that we should curtail
our established plan. If dependable
international agreement comes into be-
ing, whereby all naval powers should
agree to restrict their naval forces,
however, I would be very glad to Join
to a reasonable extent if a suitable
formula could be found Therefore, I
do not insist upon the completion of
our so-called 'eight-eight' program" :