The New York herald., 1921-12-02

Character. This was a denial by the
american delegates of the sensational
report sent out late last night that
tho Toxic Government had formally
INSTRUCTED its delegates to fight to the
end for the substitution of plan that
would increase its naval strength from
6-5-3 to 10-10-7 and insure the reten-
tion of the dreadnought Mutsu, which
is really the chief point of the issue.
Japanese Plan Not Ultimatum.
The American delegation caused it
to be known that since the Japanese
naval experts had passed up their am
.bitious formula to the fun conference
committee on naval armaments there
2d been no move in the matter. This
M IN November %. on which date
apanese plan was brought for
1. Further denial was made of
tito statement that Baron Kato, on be-
iAIf OF the Japanese delegation, had
ASsnally presented to Mr.. Hughes and
Mr.. Balfour the opinion of the experts
of his country as an ultimatum.
1t is not probable that any addition
Ia the accepted history of the naval
raseeiatious will be made until the
Japanese delegation indicates its readi-
rAcss t1 discuss it in public conference
session and join with the United States
na l4,eat Britain in accomplishing the
major undertaking of the conference.
The most important event of naval
character to-day was the statement
made by the naval authorities of at
least two of FIVE of the most impor-
Fant sea Powers that the suggestion
for a ten year naval holiday would
probably be abandoned. For several
days naval experts have pointed out
10 heads Of this and other Govern
rrcrts the impracticability of the holi-
Gay leatasef
Adlnlssors made by some Of the
delegates tsud to confirm the impress
SEN = naval circles that the ten year
holiday piah will be eliminated. The
rtfag rcsssu given in support of the
contention of the naval executives of
the United States. Great Britain.
France, Italy and Japan. and they ap-
pear to be close together in the mat
ter. is that legitimate requirements
would be impossible and that the war
ship construction facilities of all coun-
tries would fall to ruin.
Holiday Would Benefit Britain
Credit for developing this objection
rs tAe snilay plan is given 70 the
R-itisn ard American experts. who
pointed out the holiday idea would re-
suit IN one or two countries securing
q decided advantage over other ma
4{rn~ r. is of incidental interest that
II. 11ief beneficiary in this respect
would be Great Britain. Secretary
Hughes and his associates have not
haken up the matter yet. though they
hire expected to consult with the naval
ixperts of the country about 1t in
few days.
The British and American discovery
naturally caused somewhat Of SEN
aatoN among the officials of several
ffcrr rnments, although 1t is not ex-
Speefs. to exercise any decided infiu-
4isrS over the really vital features OF
ne Hughes plan. The naval holiday
digestion really Is not regarded as
fring directly related to limitations OF
kea armaments for the reason that In
ho event would any country be per-
snitted to exceed the maximum allow
arce stipulated in the Hughes formula.
Critics of the tactics employed by
sIapan in the naval controversy have
hlaturally tried to connect them with
hnbitions in Asiatic and Pacific issues.
at is quite possible that the japanese
mind has constructed direct link be-
tween tho -wa ases of the confer
e-c srselz lough the fact has
fot tse ed to American Off
xiai4 na ~ ument advanced by
ras who .efuse to acknowledge
the t pful work already rem
lnfH ny el.. Japanese delegates in
cieas3L, up Asiatic perplexities is that
tney are holding back the naval arnla-
nlents agreement for trading purposes
There Is no question that Japan
attaches paramount Importance TO the
plans of the American Government
for fortifying its Pacific island pos
sessions, especially Guam, which little
atom is destined {" play a spectacular
part in conference proceedings later.
The japanese made little attempt TO
conceal their anxiety over what they
described to "be the new American
foreign policy" when I was in Japan
two months ago.
Japanese Cite Monroe Doctrine.
The intentions of the United States
were made the subject Of daily discus
sion by the newspapers and the lead
crs of rival political parties. The con-
sensus OF journalists and politicians
was tha. the fertilization of Guam or
the Philippines would closely approach
encroachment I'm that part of the
world in which Japan claims privileges
not unlike those enjoyed by all the
countries In North and South America
under the Monroe Doctrine.
The announcement that the United
States intended thoroughly TO fortify
Guam and the Philippines unmis-
takably caused CONSERVATION among
the Japanese. The fact IS It con-
stituted q greater bogie to Japanese
interests than other features sched-
uled for consideration at the confer
cnce. Yet up TO date no mention has
been made OF Guam or the Philippines
II may be that In Withholding accept
ance OF the Hughes plan. the Japanese
delegates have given to Guam an inn
portant part In their calculations. II
that is the fact the American dele
gates do not know OF 1t. Until they
do, they will not discuss the matter
one way or the other.