An item dated London 23 July reported that the British politicians at London were not pleased with the fact that the Japanese press acted quite hostile regarded the British attitude at Geneva. Although the Japanese cabinet not seemed to act in the same manner, feared the British policy that Japan would join the American side. It seemed that the British demand of the Admiralty for 70 cruisers scared Japan resulting in a lost opportunity in reducing the naval shipbuilding. Japan wanted to reduce her naval expenses and would now probably join the USA against her former ally.
Note
1. The Geneva Naval Conference held between 20 June and 4 August 1927 was intended to extend the naval limitations of the Washington Naval Treaty further more, namely also for cruisers, destroyers or submarines. The American president Calvin Coolidge invited England, Japan, France and Italy for a conference but the latter two countries refused. In fact the conference was a failure. The points of view of the USA and England were contrary with England needing a large cruiser force to keep open and protect the sea lanes within her empire. Japan demanded to be allowed to have at least 70% of the American cruiser force. John Calvin Coolidge Junior (Plymouth, Vermont 4 July 1872-Northampton, Massachusetts 5 January 1933), president of the USA between 2 August 1923-5 January 1933.
