Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-09
ST|MSON PROPOSAL |
STIRRING JAPAN
Bitterness and Resentment
With Some Calm Counsel
Reacts to U. S. Stand.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
TOKYO, February 9 Sunday Bit
Cerness and resentment, mingled with
e!alner counSelS, marked Japan's reac-
tlon 10 the American naval limitations
proposal as its main points become
more clear. Divergent expressions
were heard in official circles, but it was
tne unanimous opinion that the pro-
poSal In its present form was unaccept-
apie 10 Japan. While q few editors in
oulged in anti-American blasts, in
Wnlcn an anonymous official quoted in
Japanese papers Joined, from other
quarters came advice to wait to see
what were Americas real intentions,
ana 70 seek an early opportunity for
ulgnlneo reststement of Japans case.
Called "UnrighteOus."
An editorial in this Sunday morn
lngs Hochi denounces this unrighteous
proposal" declaring that japan never
Will accept it, The Hochi continues:
Americans evidently believe that
they will be able to bully Japan into
an acceptance Of q so per cent ratio
throughout. Regardless of the Ameri-
can and British attitude, our delegates
must maintain their inSistence upon q
10 per cent ratio, which is the mini
mum OF our national defense require
mentS"
The AsAhi, in calmer tone said;
we should not become excited over
Americas bold proposal. We should
ascertain the real American motives,
then express our position dignifedly
We fear, nevertheless, that the Ameri-
can initiative will prove the turning
point, influence the whole future of the
conference"
Naval officers quoted in Japanese
newspapers refer to Americas out
rageous scheme" and use other harsh
terms. On the other hand, civilian
ofncials, notably delegates to the Lon
don Naval Conferences through Japa-
nese correspondents, are trying to re-
strain public opinion.
Reijiro Wakatsuki head Of the jap
anese delegation in London, informed
his countrymen that such proposal
was to be expected and that they should
not be dismayed. The foreign ONCE in
Toxic urged calmness. insisting that 1t
must first be learned how far the pro-
posal represents unalterable American
demands and how far it is a mere start
ing point for further negotiations.
Disappointment Expressed.
Almost universal disappointment was
expressed, however, that Americas first
definite statement should apparently ig-
more all Japanese pleas for larger ratios
made during the past six months.
Although officials in Toxic, London
and Washington refuse to divulge
Americas proposal, Toxic newspapers
for the past two days have been pub
fishing outlines, mostly under London
date lines, with wealth of detail.
The Associated Press Is able to state
the outline of the American proposal
as follows: Capital ships due for re-
Immediately. Such ships are one jap
anese battle cruiser, the Kongo; three
American vessels. the Utah. Florida and
Arkansas. and five British ships, the
Iron Duke, Tiger, Marlborough, Ben
bow and Emperor of India. An addi-
tional proviso is that If America and
Japan should build additional capital
ships, they must scrap one more capital
ship besides those named. With the
scrapping of the vessels named above
the numbers OF capital ships would be:
japanese, 9, British and American
each Is.
The American proposal to as cruisers
as previously announced by Secretary
Stimson, was that Great Britain should
have the option. by reducing its num-
Der of small cruisers, to increase its
large cruisers from Is to 10. so as to
give 1t total tonnage of $4,000, the
exact amount of tonnage which the
United States now has.
United States Option.
ION the other hand. the United
States would have the option by reduc-
ing It's large cruisers from 10 to Is to
increase tie number of its small cruis-
ers so as to give it total tonnage Of
$4,000, the exact amount of tonnage
which the British now ask
Japan. in accordance with the Ameri-
can proposal, would have IL big cruisers.
already built or building. totaling 108,-
400 tons, which is go per cent OF the
American tonnage.
In destroyers Great Britain and the
and Japan 10000.
America and Great Britain would
have 10000 tons Of submarines and
Japan 10000.
America proposes to allot Japan more
than so per cent ratio only In the sub
marine category, in which Japan in
sists upon at least $4,000 tons, virtually
on equality with America and Great
Britain.
This single concession from the gen.
eral so per cent ratio constitutes the
NOSE severe snub to Japan's well known
desires.
Japanese newspapers are restating
these desires as three fundamental
principles" as follows: Seventy per cent
ratio for japanese feet as a whole, as
compared with fleets of the United
States and Great Britain: big cruisers
70 per cent ratio; total of auxiliary
ships, $4,000 TONS and an approximate
parity for submarines.
Headlines appearing in Saturday eve
ming and Sunday morning newspapers
are marked by caustic phrases. AS an
example a headline in the Asahi ISko.
America Violates Principles of Dis
armament; Disregards Japans Claims.
The Chugai Shogyo prints the head
lines. Japan Won't Yield" while the
Kokumin heads an article, "Japan's
Firm Determination"