Britain's official attitude toward engaging in the worldwide race for heavy capital ships has revealed no definite decision regarding desertion of the London Treaty limitations. Such a decision, it is believed, has been delayed pending investigation of reports of Japan's construction of 43,000-ton battleships. Should these reports be confirmed, it was believed Britain would openly begin construction of ships above treaty limitations.
Naval experts also have pointed out that since the Soviet Union has announced plans for joining the construction race, Britain probably will follow suit regardless of Japan struction plans. Italy and Germany, experts pointed out, probably ill begin construction of 43,000-ton battleships once the Soviet Union' naval plans are definitely, known. Britain consequently would be forced into the construction of heavier ships to maintain a naval ba power in Europe,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.