HC Deb 01 March 1937 vol 321 cc11-2
18. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement on the proposals made in Japan for the expansion of her naval construction in consequence of the new British re-armament proposals?

Mr. Eden

So far as I am aware, the Japanese Government have made no statement regarding naval construction since the re-armament proposals of His Majesty's Government contained in Command Papers 5368 and 5374.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the announcement made in America that they intend to increase their naval building programme because of yours, and will not that mean necessarily that Japan will increase hers?

Mr. Eden

I have not seen any such statement.

Mr. Sorensen

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a statement in the "Times" to this effect?

Mr. Eden

The only statement I have seen was that the new Japanese Government soon after taking office announced their intention of somewhat reducing naval construction.

Mr. Alexander

Will the right hon. Gentleman look in the "New York Times" of 19th February?

Back to