An item dated Tokyo 12 November reported that the Japanese minister of foreign affairs and the American ambassador in Japan were to sign on next Wednesday a leasing contract for 18 frigates and 50 landing crafts for a period of 5 years with an option for prolongation. Japan wanted to use this vessels for her coastal defence. Another newspaper Het nieuws: algemeen dagblad dated 7 June 1952 confirmed this item adding that a government representative refused to comment on the Japanese tidings.
