The Washington times., 1921-11-06
JAPAN To PUSH
BIC NAVY PLANS,
KATODECLARES
Delegate Says Tokyo Cannot
Halt Until Other Nations Agree
to Curb Building.
by JAMES MARTIN MILLER.
Universal Service.


Admiral Baron Tomosaburo Kato
official head of the Japanese dele
CATION TO the Conference on Limita-
tion Of Armament, yesterday an
nounced the determination of his
government TO complete the great
naval program now under way,
pending a definite agreement be-
tween the powers of the world TO
limit or reduce armament.
Admiral kato speaks with authority.
He Is not only the principal represcn-
tative OF his government here now,
but the tragic death Of Premier Hara
ON Friday leaves him the ranking
minister OF the Nipponese govern
ment. lie is a commanding figure,
sixty-one years old and most affable OF
manner.
Greeting to America.
The interview was given exclusively
for Universal Service and by way Of
introduction Admiral Kato wrote In
Japanese characters on the stationery
OF his hotel this greeting TO the Amer
ican people.
This is my first visit to America.
Am happy at my contact with the
American people and this chance TO
greet them. This country grand,
scenery enchanting.
"T. KATo."
During the interview Admiral
Kato's secretary. Captain Nomura. as.
sisted the admiral In interpreting my
questions and in making the answers,
after considerable conversation in
Japanese. Admiral Kato understands
but as yet experiences some
in expressing himself In the
language.
Admiral. It is understood that
Japan Is now building a great and
powerful naval fleet, which will more
than double the strength Of the exist
ing one" was the first question.
16 Capital Ships Building.
There was a prompt and firm re-
sponse. Admiral Kato said:
we are now building two squad
rons OF eight capital ships each. max
ing sixteen of the largest battle ships,
and the most modern, that will add
to our navy, the last of these ships
to be completed by March. 1928. The
money has been appropriated and the
work of construction is proceeding
rapidly at the present time"
Are you building submarines also.
admiral?"
Yes. we are building a number"
Are you developing aviationT"
Yes. we are; but we are the most
backward of any nation as regards
or commercial purposes. We now
have aviation fields and are training
man In the arts Of aviation. The
aeroplanes we build are Of the small
type Of machine intended to be very
swift. Bot we have not gone into
this as extensively as some people
may think. Although 1t may be said
we are progressing in aviation"
Admiral, will Japan agree at this
for the limitation OF arma-
nents and discontinue the construction
If powerful naval squadrons and the
development Of warfare In the air7"
Yes, II there is an international
agreement by all the nations. or lead
ng ones, arrived at, Japan will be
glad to get rid of the burden of
keeping up a great army and navy"
But Japan is going on building
powerful warships now more than
,ver. Does this mean that Japan has
title faith that such an agreement |
will be arrived at?"
mot necessarily. We will stop
vhen the agreement is arrived at
md has been accomplished"
What will be the position Of japan |
n the conference for the Limitation |
4 armaments and the other ques.
ions to be considered. as regards the |
rights and franchises Japan
low has in the Shantung province
4 China?"
1--WE will return Shantung absolute
sNs.NA
greement with China"
Admiral Kato made that last state
nent in a way that left no doubt but
hat Japan feels that Is a matter be-
ween Japan and China only and Is not
he business Of any other nation.
China is split. with one government
n the south, another in the north,
Nth virtually a state Of war in China.
Tou might never be able to discover