894.30/108: Telegram

The Ambassador in Japan ( Grew ) to the Secretary of State

58. 1. In response to interpellation in the Lower House on February 16 Navy Minister Yonai stated incidentally “I shall refrain from launching such naval expansion as would stir other powers and I have no intention of maintaining strength equal to the strongest naval powers in the world”. The house applauded this statement.

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2. Last night former Ambassador Debuchi took occasion to call my attention to the significance of this statement.

Grew