“We cannot agree to such a treaty” Stated the Admiral to the rest of the Japanese Delegation. The diplomats looked at him “But we have our instructions” “You have your instructions” The Admiral retorted “We told you that we need at least 70% of the American fleet” ‘But the Ministry instructed us to accept the 60% ratio if we could not get agreement on 70%” The diplomat sputtered. “And I still believe they will cave” The admiral snorted. The British are worn out they cannot afford to continue building. The American public doesn’t want to spend money on a fleet. They want their Model-Ts and Olds-mobiles. They will accept our reasonable request. We tell them we cannot accept the agreement and act like we are ending discussions. The Americans need the publicity. They have been seen as rejecting the League of Nations that their own President helped establish. Their pride will demand that they get an agreement on this treaty. Once they agree we will proceed with our other plans” With that, although they didn’t know it, the path of the world’s navies for the next generation was set.
Ambassador Kato looked downcast as he entered the conference hall on Wednesday January 11, 1922. He indicated that he would like to speak. “While the nation of Japan desires to join with other nations in reducing the level of armaments in the world we cannot agree with the conditions that are proposed that leave us in a precarious condition that leaves us vulnerable to better armed nations. We are a peaceful people and only desire an equitable agreement. We will always be willing to reopen these discussions but do not see any usefulness in continuing them at this time.” The British, American, French, and Italian delegations looked stunned. They all believed they had the major points settled and were only finishing up the details The Americans were especially dumbfounded. The Italians quickly suggested that they adjourn until mid afternoon to allow the delegations to consider the implications of the statement.
The Americans retired to their conference room Secretary Hughes stormed to the head of the table “WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED” he bellowed “I thought you assured me that they would agree to 60%” He looked over at the technical specialists who ran the communications systems. “Sir we have been able to decode the instructions they have received from their foreign ministry. They have been directed to accept 60%. They will return” the specialists assured him. “This is all a performance to save face”.