THE NAVAL RATIO.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1921, Page 2

THE NAVAL RATIO.

(From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.)

.Received This Day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 A controversy regarding Japanese strength centres more and more round the battleship Mutsu which is to be scrapped according to the American plan. Japanese liotvspaprs contend the Mutsu was commissioned, and not merely launched, as stated in Mr Hughes’ speech on the 12th, therefore is in the same position as America s California, which is the only capital ship among America’s construction programme of sixteen ships not to be scrapped. The Australian Press Association understands the ratio of five, five, three is based on the existing strength and taken into consideration all the capital ships partially built, besides all commissioned ships. Thus a ship fifty per cent completed counts as half a s "P her size. Also the ratio of five, five three is generous to Japan as the existing strength of the Japanese fleet is nearer fifty than sixty tier cent ot

American and British to-cla\. JAPANESE STATEMENT. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Nor. 19. Daron Kato issued a statement to the effect that the Japanese delegation is of tho opinion that the existing difficulties in regard to China lie no less in tho domestic situation than the external relations. We are anxious to see peace and unity re-established at tho earliest possible moment, but want to avoid all action which might be construed as Intervention in Chinas external affairs. : It seems to us, all that the Conference can achieve is to adjust China’s Foreign relations, leaving tho Chinese themselves to work out the domestic situatian. The Japanese delegation wishes to assure the Chinese delegation and the whole Conference that Japan has every desire to cultivate tho happiest relations with China. Japan is solicitous of making whatever contributions she is capable of towards China’s realisation of just, legitimate aspirations, entirely uninfluenced by any policy of territorial aggrandisement in any part of China. We adhere unconditionally and unreservedly to the princijile of an open door and equal opportunity, and look to China for a supply of essential raw materials and foodstuffs. In purchasing same I Japan does not claim any special rights I or privileges, and welcomes fair honest competition. Regarding the question of abolition of extra territoriality Japan intends to join other delegations in an endeavour to come to a, fair, satisfactory arrangement. Japan comes to the ’ Conference not to advance any selfish interests, but to co-operate with all naI tioiis interested for the purpose of ensuring peace in the Far East. The Ja- . panese delegation understands the prin- ’ cipnl object of the Conference is to establish a common accord of policies, and principles and deprecates undue protraction of discussions and detailed examination of innumerable minor inat- | tors. < Mr Balfour pointed out that all prin,(iples such as the open door, and China’s integrity had lieen formulated ! over and over again by Britain. | Other delegates spoke in similar . terms of sympathetic co-operation. AMERICAN BATTLESHIP. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.l | NEW YORK, Nov. .19. A telegram from Newport News, Virginia, states the battleship West Virginia, .scheduled to he the most powerful vessel in the American Navy was launched to-day. ‘lt is 624 feet long, thirty-two thousand tons, and lias eight sixteen inch guns, fourteen five ineliers, four three inch anti-air craft- guns, and two torpedo tubes. The vessel has already cost fifteen million dollars, and it is intended to spend ten millions more if she is completed.