Japan's reply to Great Britain's Note regarding naval building has been received in London, but hitherto there has been no time for its consideration by British officials.
It is understood that the consultations between Britain, France and America, started before the approach to Japan was made, will be continued. and it is pointed out that as Germany and Russia are linked to the naval treaty, they will be informed at some later stage.
Commons Statement After outlining Japan's reply to Great Britain on Japanese naval construction, Mr. Anthony Eden. the Foreign Secretary, at question-time in the House of Commons to-day, said:
"The new situation, which has thus arisen as the result of Japan's reply, will now be examined by the British Government in consultation with the other Naval Powers with whom it is in treaty relations."
"The Times" Comments "The tenor of Japan's reply was not unexpected," says "The Times" to-day in-discussing Japan's refusal to comply with the three Powers for information on her naval building programme.
Japan's attitude is quite consistent. but cannot be regarded as logical, declares "The Times." which adds: "The illogicality of her standpoint is further illustrated by the documents published on Saturday."
it is declared that any British exercise of the right of escalation is not a matter which should concern Japan, yet the statement on Japan's naval policy declares that if the leading Powers exercise this right, Japan will be left with no alternative but to alter her building plans.
Vice-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, vice-Minister of the Navy, in one breath expresses Japan's need for secrecy and special armament, and, in the next, castigates the unfairness of the Powers, who. as a result of her secrecy, conclude that special armament is being provided.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.