The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-12-29


on ornaments Of all nations
instead of Japan having the
short end of the present
5-5-3 ratio with the United
States and Great Britain.
This common upper limit should
be fixed as low as possible, the Jap
anese Foreign Office said in a
statement distributed throughout
the world.
In order to render it difficult for
any power to attack another, but
easy to defend itself, the offensive
arms should be totally abolished or
drastically reduced, and the defen-
sive arms adequately provided" the
japanese contended.
Japan said that far from enter
tanning the slightest wish to enlarge
her ornaments, Japan endeavors TO
promote the cause of peace by es-
Enlistment Of the principle of nom
menace and non-aggreSsion."
Visit Is Formally
Japan's action was decided upon
by the Privy Council, an extra
constitutional body composed of the
elder statesmen" of the japanese
empire who act as advisors to the
Emperor.
Mr.. Saito's visit to the State De-
partment was & legal formally re-
quired by the terms of the Washing
ton Treaty to set the machinery in
motion to bring the treaty to an
end. The notice had to be given be-
fore Jan. l in order to terminate
the treaty Dec. 81, 1886.
The move caused no surprise
here, but nevertheless profoundly
impressed officials of this Govern
ment, as it threatens to end ii years
of successful efforts by the major
powers in the Pacific to maintain
a political balance there through
voluntary agreement.
The Administration remains hopev
full some new agreement can be
reached, but if not the way is
cleared to substitute the might of
naval power for the persuasive eff
forts of statesmen and diplomats in
maintenance of peace in the Far
East.
Challenge to Powers
Japans notice of intention to
abrogate the naval treaty was also
notice that after 1886 Japan will
not consent voluntarily to be limited
to a Navy only three-ffths as large
as the navies of the United States
and Great Britain. To that extent
her notice was considered chal-
lenge to the other powers.
Whether a naval construction
race will ensue depends entirely.
officials here said, upon whether
Japan embarks upon a building pro-
gram after the treaty comes to an
end on Dec 81, 1886. Both Admin
istration and Congressional leaders
here have declared the United States
will maintain the 5-5-3 ratio of
naval strength set up by the Wash
ington Treaty. If Japan builds, the
United States will build also, and
will build five warships for each
three laid down by Japan.
The British government also has
indicated its determination to main
tain the present ratios.
Under the treaties now entering
upon their two-year period of lame
duck" status, Japan is forbidden to
lay down any new warShipS until
the end of 1886.
The United States must build SO
ships, in addition to those already
building or appropriated for, to
reach treaty strength. Great Britain
must build approximately 40 The
of these ships will pro-
duce approximately the 5-5-3 ratio
set up by the Washington treaty.
Cancellation Is Explained
The Washington Naval Treaty was
signed at the conference for the
limitation of naval ornaments
called at Washington in 1921 bv
President Harding to put an end to
he growing naval construction race
involving the United States, Great
Britain and Japan.
The formal statements by the ia
oanese foreign Office and by Saito
,oday set forth Japan's position and
1er reasons for canceling the treatv
These statements declared Japan
was in favor of drastic reduction
Of naval forces, but insisted upon
he right to maintain actual equal
ty with the United States and Great
The statements said Japan was
willing to scrap down to one-haIe
her present naval strength, nro
vided the other nations would foI
low. The Japanese asked partic,,
arly that offensive" naval wesnons
such as capital ships and airnIoaa