London, Nov. 20.
Virtual cancellation of the London Naval Treaty of 1936 may be the direct result of Soviet Russia's recent decision to build 43,00-ton battleships.
Moscow decided upon this step following the asserted determination of "Tokyo to build similar super-size war vessels.
Under the Anglo-Russan bilateral naval pact, London informed Moscow Of decisions taken by Britain, the United States and France when these three Powers recently invoked the Escalator Clause of the 1936 Naval Treaty.
The three Powers reached thi grave decision after lengthy deliberations and following Japan's alleged decision to surpass the 35,000-ton mark in dreadnought construction.
Britain and the United States are therefore able to build battleships of greater tonnage, France, however, reserved action at the time of her decision on condition that no other European Power exceeded to 35,000- ton limit.
Replying to London's communication following the invocation of the Escalator Clause, however, Moscow claimed the right to construct 45,000- tonners for the Soviet Eastern Navy.
t is now feared here that italy and Germany will follow the Soviet example and that France will then embark upon a similar naval programme.
The eventual armaments rac the European powers be accompanied by competi construction of heavier guns, 20-inches, it is also feared.
Meanwhile, naval observers criticize the Soviet's decision because Russian shipyards are slow in executing orders and Italy and Germany may easily outdistance Moscow in the naval race.—Havas,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.