500.A15A3/1861
The Japanese Ambassador (Saito) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor, under instructions from my Government, to communicate to you the following:
The Government of Japan, perceiving that, in view of the present international situation, the requirements of the national security of Japan has made it necessary to retain 15,598 tons of submarines in excess of the maximum tonnage which is permitted in Article 16, Clause 1 of the London Naval Treaty of 1930, has decided to invoke Article 21 of that Treaty to retain the excess tonnage above referred to.
Accept [etc.]