Washington, Oct 7.
The United States is prepared to enter into any foreed armament race which may occur at the expiration of the Washington Treaty, Mr. Claude A. Swanson, Secretary of Navy, in-Gieated in an announcement to-day.
"Fortifications must be met with fortifications," Br, Swanson observed, "One menace must be met with another menace."
'The Secretary of Navy declined to' comment specifically on British proposals to renew Article XIX of the Washington Treaty, but observers, believe that his remarks showed that the United States was assuming a Watchful attitude toward negotiations to continue the treaty, while preparing to "go the limit" in the event that an armament race develops.
Naval experts doubt that the United States would agree with British pro-ossals unless It were assured that Japan would not exceed her present eet strength. The naval authorities Yeealled that the United Siates had agreed to limit her Pacifte bases only fu the condition that Japan accepted the 5-5-3 fleet ratio designed to keep Paci navies "at defensive rather offensive strength. In face of Japanese denunciation of the treaty, naval experts said, the United States would be reluctant again to waive the right to counter-balance by fortlcation Japan's action, unless there were assurances of the continuance of the 8-5-3 feet ratio—United Press.
London, Oct, 7.
Great Britain to-day proposed that the signatories of the Washington Treaty agree not to. establish. alr bases In the unfortified Pacific zone because of the development of alr forees since the negotiation of the original Treaty, The proposal followed Britain's Invitation to the United States and Japan to renew Article 'XIX of the Washington Treaty ban- Na ning fortification of parts of their Tacife possessions—United Press.
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