Evening star., 1929-12-18

Continued From First Page,)
panese. united in a statement which
was issued by Secretary Stimson, ex-
pressing the belief that the London
conference would prove a success and
that relations between the United
States and Japan would be increasing
" friendly. The statement follows:
"Reijiro. ,Wakatsuki, chief delegate;
Admiral Takeshi Takarabe, delegate;
japanese Ambassador Debuchi and
Hiroshi Saito, secretary, visited the Sec
retary of State at his house this after
noon. The Secretary had with him AM
basasdor Dwight w. Morrow and Am
baSsador William r. Castle. jr.
There was a frank and friendly dis
cussion of the underlying problems nt
the two countries which affect the is
sues of the conference. --
Both Mr.. Wakatsuki and Secretary
Stimson expressed optimistic hope for
the successful termination of the con-
ference and the increase OF good will
between the two countries which solu-
ton Of the naval problems helps to
maintain"
Frank Statement of Needs.
The conference yesterday afternoon
brought forth frank statements from
the heads of both delegations dealing
WIFI IlCCuS VI ISopCGIlfC COull~
tries for national defense. It is under
stood that the discussion was along
broad lines and avoided technicalities.
However, the Japanese laid down the
proposition that there should be a To-
1917 ratio of naval auxiliary craft for
the United States, Great Britain and
Japan. They also are understood to
have discussed the 10,000-ton cruiser,
which they, as well as the United States,
favor, and to have made their position
clear in regard to submarines. The
Japanese are frankly opposed to the
abolition of the undersea craft, which
they regard as a necessary arm of their
naval defense, with their island en-
pire and long coast line. The United
State has been friendly to the idea,
advanced by Great Britain, that the sub
marine should be abolished, although
there is considerable opinion in this
country that submarines are of value
for the protection of the long American
coast line in time of war.
Both delegations and the govern
ments they represent are strongly of
the opinion that there must be no fail
ure at the coming naval conference in
London. A failure would in all prob
ability result in strained international
relations and in a naval construction
race, making the situation in the fu-
ture worse than it is today. Owing to
these opinions, the delegates gave con-
sideration to the wide political prob
lens on the coming conference.
With the governments of the United
States and Japan in this frame of mind,
1t is expected that any differences which
may arise Will be ironed out, and that
where necessary compromises may be
effected. The suggestion has been ad-
vanced that in order to settle the cruis-
er problem some concessions may be
made to Japan in the matter of sub
marines. for example.
The impression today was that Amer
lean official opinion was that Japan's
request for l0-l0-7 ration was out of
proportion not only to the ratio fixed
at the Washington naval conference in
1922 for capital ships, which was 5-5-3.
but also cut of proportion to Japan's
naval strength and building program.
When the Washington naval treaty was
negotiated it was the understanding
that American defenses in the Philip
pines, Guam and Hawaii would not be
extended. If there is TO beNa change
in the ratio of the naval strength of
the powers, it was suggested today that
At might be necessary to re-eXamine the
question of the naval bases.
italy has joined with Great Britain
and the United States in the proposal
for the abolition of the submarine, ac-
cording to dispatches from Europe. This
strengthens the position of the powers
urging abolition of the undersea craft
at the coming conference, leaving
Japan and France to combat it. If the
submarine Is not to be abolished, in
conformity with the wish of Japan, it
is possible that Japan may make some
concessions In regard to ratios and
other categories of auxiliary naval
SrafE ~