Japan may raise outlay for arms in 5-year plan

In a major policy shift, Prime Minister Zenko Suzuki said Japan may increase its military spending above its present ceiling of 1 percent of the gross national product during a five-year defense buildup program.

The United States spends between 6 and 7 percent of its GNP on defense annually and the Soviet Union anywhere from 11 to 14 percent. The US and Japan have scheduled a security conference beginning Aug. 30 in Hawaii, where the two Pacific allies will discuss their defense roles.