Evening star., 1938-02-05
Text of u. S. Note to Jaban

The tert OF the State Depart
11ent's statement on its note to
Japan. including the tert OF the
note. tollo,us:
Since December 81. 1886. when the
Washington naval treaty Of 1922 and
the London naval treaty of 1880 ex-
pired, as a result of denunciation by
Japan. there has been no quantitative
naval limitation-that is. a limit on
the number of ships which a nation
may build.
There has been quantitative limita-
tion-that Is, limit on the types Of
ships which a nation may build. SThis
limitation has been in effect between
the signatories of the London naval
treaty of l936-the United States,
Great Britain and France-and be-
tween Great Britain on the one hand
and Germany and the Soviet Union
on the other.
Japan took part in the early stages
of the London Naval Conference Of
1886, but withdrew when the
other participants were unable to ac-
cept the Japanese demand for COM
mon upper limit, which meant that
Japan would have naval equality in
principle with the United States and
Great Britain.
Approached by Britain.
Subsequently. in 1896. Japan was
approached by the British govern
ment and asked il 1t would not give
assurances that the treaty limits on
types of ships would in practice be
adhered to by 1t even though 1t could
not see its way to subscribing to the
London naval treaty.
The Japanese government declined
to give these assurances.
This Government took up with ia
pan the limit of the size of guns on
capital ships Under article of the
London naval treaty. 1886, it is pro-
vided that IA inches should be the
limit OF the caliber OF guns on capital
ships. However, If any OF the parties
to the Washington naval treaty Of
February 6, 1922, should fail to accept
this limit by April l. 1897. l6 inches
would become the treaty limit Of guns
carried on capital ships.
Limitation Declined.
Despite the efforts OF this Govern
ment, Japan declined to accept the
limit Of IA inches. and, as conse-
quence Of the japanese refusal. the
limit of the guns on capital ships rose
to Is inches.
Recently. reports have been recur-
rent that Japan not only Is exceeding
the limits provided in the London naval
treaty, 1896, on the size OF guns OF
cruisers and capital ships, but is
building, or planning TO build above
the limit of types Of ships as we'll.
The question arises, therefore, wheth-
er these reports are correct and II so
whether it will be necessary for the
parties to the London naval treaty.
1886, to escalate, in accordance with the
provision of the naval treaty which
gives signatory the right Of oscillation
in the event of building not in con-
formity with treaty limits by a power
not a party thereto. Before the par
ties to the treaty can escalate. under
its provisions they must consult. A
preliminary consultation has taken
place, and the British, French and
American governments have decided
to approach the japanese government
with a request for information.
Ask Reply by February 20.
In the following note to be delivered
to the japanese government by the
American Ambassador at Toxic Mr..
Joseph c. Grew. on February S, 1t is
suggested that the United States. as a
party to the London naval treaty. will
be glad to receive reply to the inquiry
with regard to the size and arma-
ment of Japanese capital ships and
cruisers not later than February 20
next. The reason for fixing February
20 is that it is incumbent upon this
Government, under the London naval
treaty. to furish information with re-
gard to its naval program to the treaty
powers within the first four months OF
the calendar year and that in order to
prepare its estimates and have them
ready for communication to the other
naval powers parties to the London
naval treaty, it is essential that the
| facts upon which the estimates are
based be wholly assembled at the latest
by the end of February. The hope is.
therefore, expressed that reply will
| be received from the japanese gov
ernment by February 20. in order that
completed by the final date referred to
in the note. that is, May l..
Text Of note:
Il. The japanese government will
be aware that under the London
naval treaty. 1886, the American
Government is precluded from con-
structing capital ships i e.. vessels
of more than 10000 standard dis
placement, or with a gun of more
than 8 inches) which exceed 5000
tons or carry gun of more than
is inches. or which are of less than
1880 tons or carry a gun of less
than 10 inches. AS regards cruisers
| ii. e.. vessels of not more than 10000
tons with gun of not more than 8
inches). the American Government
| Is limited to a maximum of 5000
tons with 6-inch guns.
2. The Japanese government has
unfortunately not seen it's way to
subscribing to the London naval
treaty nor has it hitherto felt able to
give any assurances that treaty limits
would in practice be adhered to by it..
3. AS the japanese government
will be aware. the naval treaty gives
the American Government a right
OF oscillation in the event of building
not in conformity with treaty limits