The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1921-12-02
NAVAL STAND OF U. 5.
GAINS WITH NATIONS
America Firm In $3.50 RAJ
ito Despite Japan's Plea
For Increase

arms conference approaches the sea-
son of its momentous decisions thers
are indications of constantly growing
support for the principles suggested
at the outset by the American gov
eminent.
Behind the "5-5-3" ratio of naval
strength the American delegates are
mastering increasing pressure, with
every confidence of success, despite
the effort of Japan to secure a mod
ification in her favor. Similarly, in
the far eastern negotiations, the Am
erican -four points" are becoming
more and more real charbr of
rights for China, guiding the policy
of the conference as it begins discus
sion of the presence of foreign troops
on Chinese soil.
The American determination to
stand solidly behind the 1853" ma
val ratio was reiterated with even
greater emphasis today as a reflex
from the statement of Vice Admiral
Kato that Japan must have larger
proportionate strength If her nation
al needs are to be adequately served.
The American position is that IL
national needs are to be the basis of
the discussions any change in the
ratio probably would be adverse to
Japan, rather than in her favor. The
yardstick of existing strength, which
the American plan has sought to ap-
ply, is declared by the American dele
gates to show beyond doubt that the
"5-5-3'' formula is liberal" as IL ap-
plies to the japanese navy. To what
extent the Japanese insistence might
be carried was uncertain tonight, but
Prince Tokaguwa of the japanese.
delegates softened the expressions Of
Vice Admiral Kato by pointing out
that in asking for 10-10-7 ratio the
admiral had been speaking merely
his own personal convictions.
Because of uncertainty over the
japanese position a meeting of the
international subcommittee of naval
experts was adjourned without ac-
ton today, and another meeting was
called for tomorrow. Meantime there
were suggestions that a plenary ses-
sion of the conference might be held
early next week to receive the sub
committee report, but no formal call
was issued.
In any event, it is expected that
the real issue will be decided in the
individual conferences now proceed
ing between the delegates of the
United States, Great Britain and ia
pan. In American quarters there
was optimism that the agreement
would be reached within few days.
but no one would make a definite
prediction.
On the side of actual progress the
days developments were confined to
the far eastern neotiations. the re-
representatives. of the nine participant
ing nations agreeing to a declaration
for abolition of thsir extra territorial
rights in China. The acceptance OF
that principle through application of
the American -four points was re-
garded generally as a long step to-
ward the liberation of China from for
eign administration, although the
exact date of withdrawal is to be de-
termined by each of the nations for
itself after an international commits
sion has investigated the facilities of
the Chinese judicial system.
Washington. Nov. 29.-The pur-
pose of the American delegation to
me arms conference to accept no mod
Ification of Secretary Hughes pro-
posed '5-5-3 ratio of naval strength
As the fundamental basis of any limi-
tati0n agreement was authoritatively
reiterated today. The statement was
backed by disclosure of the fact as
% existing naval strength. This
showed Japan to have less than the
80 per cent status to which the 5-5-3
)lan would entitle her. no matter
what method of calculation was APP
,lied. II showed also that the Am
srican delegates had been over the
whole field before offering the plan
md that their figures were correct.