Ribbentrop demands a new ratio

Joachim von Ribbentrop, the German representative in talks to increase German Naval re-armaments, has demanded that the British accept a ratio of 35:100. This would mean that for every 100 tonnes that the British had, the Germans could build 35 tonnes.

British Foreign Secretary Sir John Simon was visibly angry with the opening demand made by the German delegates. He remarked “It is not usual to make such conditions at the beginning of negotiations”. He promptly left the talks.