500.A15A3/1861
The Acting Secretary of State to the Japanese Ambassador (Saito)
Excellency: The receipt is acknowledged of Your Excellency’s note, dated December 28, 1936, in which you state that the Government of Japan has decided to invoke Article 21 of the London Naval Treaty, 1930, in order to retain 15,598 tons of submarines in excess of the maximum tonnage which is permitted in this category under the terms of Article 16, paragraph 1, of the London Naval Treaty, in order to meet the requirements of the national security of Japan.
In view of the decision of the Government of Japan to invoke Article 21, this Government will exercise its right under this Article to retain a proportionate amount of tonnage in the submarine category.
On December 31, 1936, this Government will have 15,230 tons of submarines in excess of the maximum tonnage which is permitted under the terms of Article 16, paragraph 1, of the London Naval Treaty, 1930.
Accept [etc.]