Fourth; In view of the forthcoming publication of naval estimates and the necessity of giving the other treaty Powers information as to the intended American construction, the American Government will be glad to receive a reply not later than February 20 next.
Should no reply be forthcoming Or should the reply be lacking in the desired information and assurances it will be compelled to assume that the Japanese Government is either constructing or acquiring or has authorized the construction or acquisition of vessels; not in cone formity with the limits referred to.
The American Gi would government thereupon be obliged to hold con-
(Continued on page 13)
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.