THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 253, 20 July 1921, Page 5

THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

PROPOSED DISCUSSION ON FAR EASTERN PROBLEMS JAPAN DEEPLY AROUSED HOLD ON ECONOMIC LIFE IN ASIA ENDANGERED By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright New York, July 17. Dispatches from Tokio indicate that all Japan is deeply aroused over President Harding’s Armament Confcrenco proposal. The Liberals declare that there is nothing to fear from a frank and open, discussion on Far Eastern problems. They point out that Japan must openly and candidly discuss all aspects of the situation, and must strive valiantly for its rights at the conference, but must not haggle or take a small attitude. since these would hurt the Empire more than anything else. The aristocrats and bureaucrats seem to see an element of danger arising out of a P° s * sible Anglo-Saxon combination, robbing Japan of its dominating hold on economic and political life in Asia. * All parties agree that a crisis in Japan s affairs has arrived, and only wisdona and farsightedness will steer her through the new developments la world policy.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. JAPAN’S HESITATION EXPLAINED DESIRES INDEPENDENT POLICY IN CHINA. (Reo. July 29, 0.25 a.m.) London, July 18. The “Morning Posit’s” Far Eastern correspondent states that Japan’s hesitation in replying is easy to understand. There is a natural reluctance to submit the future of Eastern Asia, to what Japan regard® as Anglo-American, arbitration. For somo years Japan 1 has been trying to assume tho Monroe doctrine for Eastern Asia. Some have even suspected her of trying to claim ft hegemony. At any rate she does no desire to create the precedent of calling in a third party to a discussion between herself and China, just as tho United States would resent the presence of a third party, Japan for instance, in a. discussion regarding Mexico or South America'. Japan equally dislikes the idea of ft third party interesting herself In Chinn. England and the United States should come to a, definite conclusion whether they claim any share in determining the future of Eastern Asia. England and the United States must decide if they have any interests in China which they are not nulling to leave to tho judgment of Japan. If they have, now is the time to state them. It would be a fatal blunder to- allow Japan to go on being deceived, supposing she can create and pursue an independent policy. Apart from Government?, it is safo to say the English-speaking peoples of all lands do not agree that the opportunity should be seized for bringing England, America, and Japan to agree upon common policy, not only regarding tho Far E'ast in general, but China in particular.’ In Japanese eyes tho peace of the Pacific depends on tho extent to which the Western nations interfere between China and Japan. What the Western nations demand.' should' be laid down in black and white. While Japan is loft to horcelf, there will be a perpetual possibility of trouble. It is simply a matter of letting Japan know that in certain aspects of tho Far Eastern problem, England) and America are equally concerned with Japan. .Any agreement between the Big Three should benefit rather than menaco China. Tho latter requires generous sympathy and practical help hi establishing a stable government, extending efficient education, and gaining freedom to exploit her territorial resources, untrammelled by foreign interference. Sho can get this only through the whole-hearted support of her friends. There must bo agreement of an effective kind if peace is to be secured in the Pacific. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

JAPANESE MISSION TO EUROPE AND AMERICA TO REPORT ON ARMAMENTS REDUCTION. (Roc. July 19, 8.10 p.m.) London, July 18. Ten members of .the Japanese Diet, including Mr. Tanaka, the member for Tokio. have arrived in London, after visiting America. Their mission is to study the changes brought about by tho war, and endeavour to strengthen the bond of unity Iretween Britain and Japan. Later they will visit France and Belgium, and on their return to Japan will present a special report on. tho question of armaments reduction, also stating their views on tho measures necessary for the establishment of international peace. Mr. Tanaka, in an interview, declared that if Britain, America, and Japan would combine and keep faith, there would be no more wars. Japanese popular opinion in favour of disarmament was growing daily.—United Service.

DOMINIONS’ REPRESENTATION STATUS NOT RECOGNISED BY AMERICA SUGGESTION BY MR. MASSEY. (Rec. July 19, 8.45 p.m.) London, July 18. Mr. Massey states that he fully recognises the force of the arguments regarding the • Washington conference advanced by Professor Berriedale Keith, who writes, that President Harding’s action in not inviting tho Dominions accords with his party’s refusal to recognise the Dominions' separate voting in the League of Nations. Professor Keith adds: “The United States does not recognise tho Dominions’ attair.m.'‘nt of international status, which all the signatories io tho Peace Treaty recognised, therefore sho does not invito the Dominions.” Mr. Massey says the difficulty possibly would bo overcome in one of two ways—firstly, by including tho Dominions' representatives in tho British delegation, ns Professor Keith suggests; or secondly, by tho British dclcgnt.on stipulating that any decision reached by the conference regarding tho South Pacific must be submitted for tho approval of the Dominions concerned.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

(Rec. July 20, 0.25 a.m. ) London, July 19. Although It is desirable that the Australasian representatives should visit Washington to present their case In connection with Pacific problems, it is now practically certain that no action will !■? taken unless strong representations tiro made by the Australian and New Zealand Parliaments.--Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SUBJECTS TO BE DEALT WITH Vancouver, July 17. The United Press Agency nt Washington reports that it is authoritatively stated that America has decided that all the Powers will have an opportunity to discuss what subjects will be taken up

at the Disarmament Conference before it begins.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. HOLLAND TO~BE INVITED TO PACIFIC CONFERENCE. (Rec. July 20, 0.5 a.m.) Amsterdam, July 18. The "Telegraaf" states that it is certain that Holland will be invited to attend tho Washington conference regarding the Pacific. —Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn. LEAGUE OF NATIONS ACTIVITIES REGARDING DISARMAMENT AND PACIFIC. (Rec. July 19, 9.35 p.m.) London, July 18. In tho House of Commons Mr. Balfour, replying to a question, said he did not think it necessary to make representations to tho League of Nations in favour of suspending the activities regarding disarmament and tho Pacific. Tho League would doubtless, when dealing with disarmament, have regard for the importance of tho Washington confer-ence.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.