The New York herald., 1921-11-21
AMERICAN PROPOSAL.
FOR SHIPS Limit BY.
3 POWERS NDORSED.
Plan Is Accepted Without
Reservation, Says High
Authority.
JAPAN'S AIM DISCUSSED
Decision Is Reached After
Conference by Hughes.
BalfOur and KatO.
JAPAN'S AIM DISCUSSED

WASHINGTON. Nov. 20 (Associated
Press).-Great Britain has indorsed
without reservation the "5-j-3" ratio
proposed in the American naval limi-
tation plan, it was learned tonight on
highest authority.
While accepting the plan as a whole
only in principle because of its de-
sire to put forward proposed modifi
cation of the submarine and replace
nent features. the British delegation
is said to have approved the suggested
relative capital ship strength for
Great Britain. the United States and
Japan without equivocation.
Adherence OF the British represen-
tatives to the capital ship ratio be-
came known tonight as an aftermath
of the conference yesterday of Secre-
tary Hughes. Mr.. Balfour and Admiral
Kato, at which the naval question was
canvassed thoroughly in the light Of
Japanese reservations.
The position OF Japan was set forth
tain favorable agreement Japanese
experts We're emphatic IN declaring that
tonnage and not consideration of speed
and armament was the logical basis of
ratio dispiacements They pointed out
that a battle cruiser might possess
greater speed but that she was inferior
TO a dreadnought in strength of armor
and number of guns and that In naval
engag cement at close quarters would GER
talnly be at disadvantage. Therefore
the fact that British and Japanese capi-
tai ships included battle cruisers was
not to them an indication OF superiority
and should not be counted as such. they
insisted.
While no official statement was forth
corning as to the line followed by the tri-
parte discussion yesterday. it was be-
lieved that partial explanation, at
least. lay in the statement obtained at
the headquarters of one delegation that
the three great naval Powers might
have varying estimates of the actual ex-
isting strength OF their navies which.
being harmonized. might suggest n way
to a settlement OF ratios"
In the main proposed notifications
seem to centre about the contention that
the $3.50" formula. which is based on
tonna ge alone, does not properly reflect
present proportionate strength when
such other elements as speed, cruising
radius and armament are considered
ship for ship.
Thus far there has been every indica-
ton that the American group would
stand pat for its proposals OF main
tanning the existing ratio. but 1t is de-
clared the national viewpoints OF the
other Powers as to what constitutes a
fair basis OF comparison will have due
recognition as the negotiations proceed.
The result may be a more thorough re-
view of the exact status of the present
naval establishments of the three
Powers. which the Japanese hold Will
show Japan's right to an increase over
the "5-5-3" proportion. but which
American experts declare will be more
likely 20 establish that Great Britain and
the United States each is entitled TO an
almost to l advantage over Japan.
By highest authorities the Associated
Press was assured tonight that the
American Government stood four square
behind its original proposal TO regulate
limitation by the yardstick OF existing
<trength and had no intention OF making
concessions which would modify that
principle. The American delegates do
not want to adopt take IL or leave IT,
attitude. however. so far as details are
concerned. and are willing 10 hear the
views OF any Power which thinks 1t may
have been done an injustice.