WILL CUT DOWN.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1921, Page 5

WILL CUT DOWN.

JAPAN’S NAVAL POLICY. STATEMENT BY DELEGATE. AWAITING A LEAD. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Nov. 9, 8.15 p.m. Washington, Nov. 8. Admiral Tomosaburo Kato, interviewed, said: “Jf any proposition at the conference should demand the cutting down of our naval programme we are ready to do so. I have not any programme to offer, but in accordance with the development of the American proposals we may have some suggestions to offer. Japan never expected, and never entertained the idea, that she should possess a navy equal to that of Britain or the United States.” The admiral dwelt on the necessity for Japan to obtain materials for trade on the Asiatic mainland, which was only a source of added wealth to the United States. Japan did not intend to deprive the peoples of these territories of what was rightfully and exclusively theirs. He added that the Shantung situation was hot understood. Japan did not intend to hold the territory, and had already withdrawn her troops, save 2000 for guarding the railways. She was ready to turn the territory over to China when the latter was ready to negotiate. The correspondent asked whether Japan was willing to reduce the eight cruiser and eight battleship programme. Admiral Kato replied that she would willingly, and he pointed out that the programme was due for completion by 1926. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITISH DELEGATION. ARRIVAL IN STATEMENT BY MR. BALFOUR. Received Nov. 9, 9 p.m. Ottawa, Nov. 9. Mr. A. J Balfour, the Earl of Cavan, Sir John Jordan, Sir Maurice Hankey, and other members of the British delegation and staff have arrived at Quebec, where they were welcomed by the Canadian Premier, Mr. Meighen, and left for Washington. Mr. Balfour, in a statement, said: “I do not believe this Disarmament Conference can do everything, but I am, personally, confident of a step gradually being made to produce a better and improved world — a step which in all history will be the greatest. I go to Washington with that hope.” A correspondent states that Mr. Balfour said he wanted to see President Harding and Mr. C. E. Hughes before forming any opinion of the conference. Mr. Balfour continued: “I have therefore included in any remarks I have made matters which are a little outside the actual work upon which we shall be engaged. The conference means an exchange of ideas, and, if necessary, modifications of ideas; and if I were to express them beforehand I would be likely to render it futile, and very likely would do more barm than good. It will be a success if I find among my colleagues confidence and the same spirit as animates the Government which I represent.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.