Tokyo, Feb. 28.
Reported strengthening of Soviet Russia's naval defences in the For East is a matter of "serious concern" to Japan, according to the independent newspaper "Yomiuri."
The paper quoted the Soviet Navy Vice-Commissar as announcing the stationing of 100 submarines, 12 torpedo-boats and other auxiliary craft in Far Eastern waters, based on Vladivostok.
"It may be Ru: out such a policy," the "Yomiuri" said, "but whether it is expedient under the existing state of Japanese-Soviet: relations is very doubtful."
The paper pointed to the trade negotiations now under way in Moscow and the mutual agreement io establish a border commission to settle boundary disputes as evidence of better Japanese-Russian relations. It warns that a naval race between the two countries would hinder efforts io reach a satisfactory settlement of pending issues.
"If Russia aims to strengthen its Pacific fleet, Japan must seriously consider countermeasures apart from efforts to adjust diplomatic relations," the "Yomiuri" declared.—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.