Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-11-28

from Toxic to hold out strongly for an
increase in the ratio to 10-10-7. II is un-
derstood that Japan will formally lay
such a proposition before the powers at
the first meeting of the navel committee
The absolute rejection Of Il japanese
proposal by the American au horiNes is
assured. American experts feel Japan has
been treated literally IN the 5-J-3 ratio.
They point out that the three 20 five pro-
gram was decided upon only after many
experts had insisted that Japans allow
ance Of capital ships be placed at 30 per
cent instead Of 60.
The opinion also is held by some Amer
lean officials that Japan secretly Is
pleased by the ratio Of three to five. and
that she is making a fight on it with the
idea that by seeming TO yield reluctantly
she may be able TO get concessions further
on in the conference, perhaps in the mat
ter Of auxiliary ships.
1t can be stated authorlatively that
British experts are one with the Amer
leans In the capital ship ratio.
While American officials depreclate any
suggestion Of a split in the conference,
It can be stated authoritatively that the
American delegation is willing to see the
conference stand or fall on the japanese
acceptance.
Until the capital ship ratio is settled,
the experts are not concerning themselves
with the objections raised by both Japan
and England With regard to auxiliary
ships such as submarines, light cruisers
and airplane carriers. The big ships form
the hub Of the whole Hughes program
and until an agreement Is reached on
these, the experts are giving little thought
to the other craft One thing at a time
is their motto.
SHOWDOWN EXPECTED
LATE IN THE WEEK.
II is not likely that the showdown
viii come until late in the week. The
japanese have received from Toxic A
great quantity Of technical and other
data which first Will have to be laid
before the experts Of the other powers
for examination. This Will take con-
siderable time land all TO no purpose
too" said one American expert. II is
considered probable an open session of
the conference viii be arranged when
japan officially accepts the program. The
belief prevails that the japanese will ask
for an open session to announce their
adherence to the American proposals and
at the same time to give n public ex-
PLANTATION Of the reasons for their pro-
tracted insstence upon capital ship in
crense
Unless there Is such Il session arranged,
It seems improbable that there win be
another plenary session soon. Far East
ern affairs are still In the committee
stage and are likely to remain so for
some time. Chinese postonices and for
eign courts are not subjects that lend
themselves readily to discussions in
which the public can get enthusiastically
excited.
The japanese may carry one feature Of
their substitute program to a point where
1t may possibly endanger the conference.
This concerns the Mutsu the latest Of
! their great battleships constructed un-
der the eight and eight program, and
which the delegation is insistent Japan
be allowed to retain. Members Of the
/ japanese delegation assert there would
| be a great outcry in Japan against scrap
I ping of this ship
American opinion is In favor Of allow
ing the Mutsu going to the ash heap.
The Britain attitude is uncertain. 1t
may be possible however, In the opinion
Of some American experts. for a compro-
mise to he reached without altering the
ratio Of big ships in the Hughes pro
gram, allowing Japan to keep the Mutsu
and the United States to retain some OF
her latest launched vessels.