THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 251, 18 July 1921, Page 5

THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

DISCUSSION ON DISARMAMENT WELCOMED BY JAPAN INCLUSION OF CHINA DOUBTFUL EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. July 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 15. The Tokio correspondent of the "Daily Express” interviewed Mr. Hara, Premier of Japan, who said: "I am sympathetic to disarmament, but the matter is still under discussion by the Power's, so it would be improper to express an opinion; nevertheless, Japan would welcome an opportunity for discussion with friendly Powers on a matter vital to the peace and happiness of the world. Japan hopes that practicable arrangements will be devised for lightening the burden of armaments.” The proposal is absorbing the Government’s whole attention. The inclusion of China as one of the parties to the deliberations is regarded as doubtful. There is a lurking fear that Japan may be manoeuvred by her into an unfavourable position. A prominent Japanese says that if equality of opportunity is postulated in China, it must not be denied in America and Australia. IndoChina’e tariff and Now Zealand’s and Australia’s discrimination in the Pacific Islands and emigration questions must necessarily arise. Japan cannot discuss these except on terms of equality.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. Tokio, July 15.

Mt. Hara, Premier of Japan, stated in an interview that ho will spare no effort to help the Disarmament Conference to success. He welcomes the opport-unity to vindicate Japan’s position before the world. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AMERICA’s7iMS_OUTLINED (Rec. July 17, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, July 12 (delayed). A high authority outlined the American aims at the proposed conference on disarmament and Pacific affairs, as, first the removal of sources of international friction aS a necessary prelude to effective disarmament; second, extension of the disarmament principle wherever possible, to stop the use of gas, aircraft, and other means of warfare; third, the adoption of the principle of the open door in Siberia, similar to the open door policy in China.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DANGER OF ARMED CAMPS MR LLOYD GEORGE SAYS WAR IS SURE TO ENSUE. (Reo July 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 16. Mr. Lloyd George, speaking at the complimentary idinneir tb M.r. C. A.. M'Curdy, expressed the hope that the Washington Conference would result in a pact of peace which would make the Pacific Ocean really pacific and lead to a fruitful discussion on disarmament. "It does not matter what treaties you sign, what pacts you enter into, what understandings you establish, what leagues and associations you found, war will ensue eventually if nations arm against each other for war.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PACIFIC~PROBLEMS JAPAN MUST ACCEPT DISCUSSION AS PART OF BUSINESS OF CONFERENCE. New York, July 15. It is reported in Washington that Mr. Hughes, Secretary of State, will announce that Japan must accept the discussion of Pacific problems as part of the business of the coming conference, and that America will not allow any preliminary discussion that will make Japan’s acceptance conditional. Japan has asked America for an amplification of the proposed discussion of Pacific problems.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

CHARACTER OF THE PROBLEMS. (Rec. July 17, 11.45 p.m.) New York, July 16. The Japanese Consul-General states that the Japanese Government is considering whether it would be more expedient in order to facilitate tho attainment of tho object cf tho conference that the character and scope of the Pacifio problems should be defined before views are expressed. Japan has requested tho United States to inform it of the American views on that phase of the matter. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA MR. MASSEY INSISTS ON OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCUSSION. London, July 15. Mr. Massey is strongly in favour of President Harding’s conference, but apart from that, ho insists that New Zealand and Australia shall have a full opportunity of discussing tho Pacific question. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.