§ 87. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information with regard to proposals by Japan to claim naval equality on the expiry of the Treaty of London, and to double her Air Force during the next three years?
§ Mr. EDENI have seen statements in the Press regarding the proposals mentioned by the hon. Member, but I have received no official confirmation of them.
§ Mr. MANDERIn view of the fact that the statement regarding naval policy was made in an interview by the Japanese Ambassador in Berlin, will the hon. Gentleman not make inquiries in regard to this very important question?
§ Mr. EDENI have said that I have received no official information, but the hon. Member will appreciate that these matters are kept under close observation.
§ Mr. MANDERDo the Government intend to take the general attitude of Japan lying down?
§ Commander MARSDENIs it not a fact that Japan cannot claim equality while the Washington Agreement is still in force?