Evening journal., 1921-11-16

OF the French experts, and Admiral
Acton. who occupies a correspond
| ing position in the italian delega-
ton. are with their experts pre-
pairing themselves for consideration
Of the subject
Experts Of both countries point
out that during the World War
! Italy and France devoted them
selves almost entirely TO strength
cning their armies and did little Tor
their navies.
/ Acts on Land Armament.
France took the first step toward
bringing the question Of land arm
aments or armies, before the con-
/ ference.
In concurring for france in the
essential principles Of the American
proposal regarding naval estab-
/ lishments. Premier BRAND touched
upon the army problem as far more
vital to France BY agreement NJ.
/ BRAND. probably at public session
OF the conference later this week.
/ will present most fully" as Secre-
tary Hughes stated. "the views Of
| France with regard to the subject
/ OF land armaments, which we must
I discuss"
There was no intimations in the
Z remarks Of NJ. BRAND that he had
a definite plan for reduction of arm
/ aments to suggest. He did say, how
ever. that he was satisfied that the
| conferees would be convinced that
France. after the necessities Of saf-
ETY. and life have been adequately
secured. harbors no thought what
ever of disturbing the peace of the
world"
NJ. Brands statements were con-
strued generally as showing his pur-
pose to explain fully why France re-
cards it necessary to retain the great
force in her armies. As the nation
with the largest army, the Premier
pointed out. it was appropriate
for her to take that question up, but
neither at the conference, nor in any
other quarter Is there suggestion
that any such sweeping proposal for
reduction of armies is to be expect
ed as the naval plan put forward by
the United States.
So far as the United States is con-
oerned. the army question is largely
academic. The American army, now
far below its authorized strength of
15O, 600 men, is cut to the bone. Fur
ther reduction would be opposed by
both civil and military chiefs of the
War Department No American plan
Of army reduction will be presented
and it may be that there will be only
nominal discussion OF the subject.
As it now stands, the American
/ army is looked upon by its leaders
as no more than the national police
. force for which there is always need.
Records OF the War Department
show that prior to 1908, through the
l twenty-five preceding years, the
army was called In action in some
/ quarters for non-military work. duty
that had nothing to do with war,
more than five hundred times.
II is for these reasons. as well as
for the necessity OF having a force
sufficient for quick expansion in case
of war, that any proposal at the
arms conference which would reduce
/ further American army strength
would be opposed by army officials.
Japan Wants More
Japan feels that her ratio OF warshir
tonnagh Is not high enough under the
American proposals, il was said last
night by members Of the japanese
delegation. During Admiral Baron
Kato's speech at the plenary ses-
sions OF the armament conference
his statement that Japan would
suggest some notifications in
the tonnage basis for replacement
caused some speculation as to
whether 1t referred TO regulating the
capacity OF shipyards so that new
warships could be built regularly or
whether Il meant that Japan favor
ed a higher ratio Of tonnage COM
pared with the United States and
Great Britain.
Last nights statement clears up this
point and shows that Japan will later
put forth the factors which lead her
TO believe that some increase Of Ton
mage should be afforded her. How
much increase is desired was not
explained tonight, but emphasis was
laid upon the special conditions sur
rounding Japan as an insular power
In need Of an adequate defensive
feet
TO be behind the attitude OF Japan
whose representatives reiterated to,
night that she has no ambition what.
Q soever 20 equal the navy OF Eng
- land or the United Steates. Tn,
n probable developments OF science ii
$ increasing the mobilization power o.
D fleet 70 distant waters In an Of
y fensive. the presence OF naval base
- near the shores OF Japan. and tn
augmented mobilization power OF al
adversary's feet when reduced II
It units all enter into the Japanes
II mind as indicating the wisdom OF
s. higher ratio than six to ten.
,t The suggested increase will prob
a ably affect all classes including sub
Iy marines. The Japanese expresse
ID confidence that the committee o
IN experts would understand their cas-
As and that a ratio adjustment woul
not In any way materially affec
OF Japan's blanket acceptance Of tn
to American proposal
10 TOXIC. Nov. ls. consIderab,
N speculation Is being INDUCED 4
~ here as to what will be the attitud
- Of the United states toward the do
- mands which. It is anticipate,
Japan will make at the washingto
conference on tho question Of N
fertilization OF the Pacific Islands.
= 1T is understood that the Japar
!. csc government has an idea OF r,
: ducing its 'elght-elght' naval pr,