These two bilateral, treaties deal with qualitative arms limitation and exchange information, and are based on the provisions of the 1936 treaty. certain departures having been made from the provisions of that instrucment to meet the special requirements of Russia and Germany.
The British Government have ne-&otiated them simultaneously, and their conclusion is independent, as Germany's willingness to sign such an agreement was subject to the signature of a similar Anglo-Soviet qualitative treaty.
Since the Japanese have refused to accept a l4-inch gun calibre limitation for future capital-ships, the relevant article in the London Naval Treaty is no longer required and d not appear in either of the pilate agreements, During the negotiations Russia made certain reservations in respect of her position in the Far East, and ihe Anglo-Soviet Agreement contains special provisions freeing the Soviet Government from the obligation of furnishing any information in regard to their naval vessels constructed and employed in the Far East, Soviet Russia will also, on notification to the British Government, be permitted to depart from the treaty's qualitative restrictions in the Far East without recourse to the procedure contemplated under article 25 of the London Treaty.
she is rebuilding her fleet, which has been permitted to deter-lorate since the War, she considers it necessary to construct a certain number of cruisers outside treaty limits In view of practical considerations, Soviet Russia will, be permitted to arm her seven new cruisers with 7.1- inch guns instead of six-inch guns, Britain will now resume conversa-
Sub-Committee to Study
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