UCLA  Center for East Asian Studies

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Today in Asian History

January 31

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1930 Delegates from Britain, the U.S., France, Italy and Japan met in London to negotiate an end to the naval arms race. Japan's delegation was headed by Wakatsuki Reijirô and Takarabe Takeshi. The Japanese argued they should be permitted to build their navy to 70% of the level attained by Britain and the United States. The final treaty, signed April 21 permitted only 60%, the same level established in February 1922 in Washington. The results of the London Conference generated resentment among military officials toward civilian officials who negotiated the pact and pushed its ratification.

1966 Following North Vietnam's rejection of his efforts to initiate peace talks, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson ordered the resumption of the bombing of North Vietnamese targets.

1972 The King of Nepal, King Mahendra (1955-72) died. His son, Birendra (b. 1945), succeeded him and remains monarch. In 1991 Nepal became a constitutional monarchy. Click here to read the CIA World Factbook entry on Nepal.

The AI "Today in Asian History" page was compiled by Clayton Dube. He welcomes your comments and suggestions. Send them to <cdube@isop.ucla.edu>.