“ALL GOES WELL”

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 55, 28 November 1921, Page 5

“ALL GOES WELL”

IMPORTANT MOVES AT WASHINGTON SUGGESTED INCLUSION'OF GERMANY ASSOCIATION OF NATIONS’ HOPED FOR Earl Beatty declares that all goes well at the Washington,Conference. President Harding now suggests enlarging the conference by taking in Germany and other Powers, and says he hopes that some form of an association of nations may arise. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. November 27, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, November' 25. Two important statements were made by President Harding to pressmen in to-day’s weekly interview. He declared emphatically that he hoped if this Conference were a success, as he was sure it would be, that it would l 'bo followed by yearly conferences of a like nature to discuss the affairs of the nations of the world, so reducing the chances of war. He made it known also that it was his expectation that other nations might be invited to tho present Conference before it closed. When asked pointedly whether that included Germany, the President*’ said' "Yes.” His fervent hope was that out of the Conference there might arise some form of an .association of nations. In. official quarters it is stated that land disarmament has not been definitely shelved but may be referred again to tho full committee at a later stage. This squares with President _ Harding s announcement that other nations may possibly be invited and foreshadows an effort to edver the French attitude against a reduction .of land forces. One of M. Briand’s chief objections to agreeing to a limitation was that other European nations with large or potential armies were not reducing their armaments. „ . Reverberations of M. Briand s speech and comments upon it in efforts to Sinagnify the rift between Britain and. ■’Franco are still heard in Washington. Some of the French party, commenting on Lord Curzon’s speech, characterise it as “the natural sentiment of a man who was always antagonistic to French prinpinlcs.” It is understood that Italy is taking up a stiff attitude towards the French claim for a large navy, and declares that she will insist on Italy haT ' ll ”. ’ strong a navy as France. The Italian delegates intimate that |hey will sign no agreement .in which that stipulate does not exist. They have already pointed out to the Conference that Britain has far more to defend than France and therefore they 1 realise that she should have a preponderating submarine to Lord' e ’Curzon’s speech is regarded as evidence that the feeling is stronger n Britain than here. The trend of public anu Press opinion seems to be tmnin nvoinst tho French individualistic potto? ft is said that /’neriean delegates range themselves with the> B - tish representatives in view of the son e vfhaf unfortunate 'attitude taken up by M Briand, though the British delegation deprecate placing an extreme intorpretation upon it.-Special to Australian Press Assn.

WIDELY DISCUSSED COMMENT ON PRESIDENT’S SUGGESTION. (Rec. November 27, 11-5 p.m.) Washington, November 26. There has been much comment regarding the Presidential suggestion for enlarging the present Conference by taking in. Germany and other Powers and for an association of nations. The British representatives have let it be known through their official spokesman that they would welcome any action tending towards the peace of the world, but considered this a domestic matter, so awaited an expression of opinion by Congress. Britain would be found willing to fall in with any views in the direction of a further comity of nations. , , , . ■ France was expected to oppose the suggestion on the ground that she could only keep Germany in order by the presence of a big French army. It ls b, however, impossible to secure anything official, as M. Briand is on the ocean and nobody belonging to. the French delegation will commit himself. Some French advisers say that. Germany would immediately try to wriggle out of her Versailles obligations, and that thereafter there would be no limit to troublesome Continental questions. Italy is expected to sympathise with President Harding’s suggestion Germany is known to be ready to send a. small staff as soon as asked, but she might want to raise the rcpaiFtions question, which at present is considered beyond l the scope of the present Confer"irreconcilables” declared todav that they oppose any association of nations involving American troops in fighting someone else’s. battles. . Mr. Balfour is reported as. being disinclined to discuss the proposition. Ine Japanese, Belgian, and other delegations supported the plan m principle.-bpe-cial to Australian Press Assn.

PESSIMISTIC DISPATCHES “CONFLICT OF MATERIAL INTERESTS.” (Rec. November 26, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 25. Some of tho correspondents of London newspapers at Washington strike pessimistic notes over the outcome . of. the Conference. Their dispatches, indicate that there is a great conflict of material interests going on behind the «ffi™£tmn of general principles. While tho Biit.oh and American delegates broadly believe in the substitution of moral for physical force France is sceptical about it. Although war in the Pacific may 'be scouted for some years, it is doubtful whether European peace can be secured at Washington. Ono writer points oi t tl ml Britain must be heart and soul with America on t.Ke main issues, or else she will leave Washington discredited with America and embittered with France. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LORD CURZON’S WARNING FRANCE AND THE INDIVIDUALSTIC POLICY. New York, November 25. Lord Curzon’s speech warning France of the dangers of an individualistic policy is widely published in America today, but questions as to the impressio it has made on various delegates rema n unsatisfied A sober view is outlined in ' the New York “Tribune’s comment that “Lord Curzon is at the sorry bin - S Of adding fuel to the flames of Anglo-French wrangling, and is encou - u .,ing Germany to think the Allies are quarrelling among themselves. Referring to Lord Curzon’s speech M Briand said he preferred to depend on

what Air. Balfour had said at the ington Conference.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FLENCH PRESS OPINION. Paris, Novem’ber 25. Tno "Petit Parisien” says that Lord Curzon’s speech cannot fail to create painful impressions in France. Its tons is so deliberate ’that it is believed 1 the British Cabinet supports it. The “lignro” cays: “Lord Curzon has held a veritable conference by himself in order to reply to the Washington Conference,, and adds: “*Are there not too many British soldiers 3 graves on French soil fot tho mistakes of Ministers to bo allowed to embroil two great peoples, who have equal need to love, and understand 1 each other?” The “Echo de Paris” declares that the Washington Conference has given ' aid to all the adversaries of France and tho death certificate ofall treaties and guarantees—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRENCH PREMIER’S OPINION CONFERENCE A GREAT SUCCESS. (Rec. November 27, 5.5 p.m.) New York, November 25. M. Briand addressed newspaper, men before sailing for France, saying: "I am going straight to Paris. I do not intend to stop in London and confer with anyone. The Conference has been a great success from the French standpoint. America knows that France is not imperialistic, and is sure tha,t we are entirely in sympathy with her. M. Briand' also said that ho felt that his Washington speech had been misinterpreted in Europe.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

NAVAL ARMAMENTS IMPORTANT WEEK AHEAD THE SUBMARINE PROBLEM. (Rec. November 27, 11.5 p.m.) Washington, November 26. Next week is expected to be navy week. The British and' American naval advisers have practically completed their investigations The Japanese experts are still ...examining the figures. Most satisfactory progress has been made towardb conclusions, and there has been no unduo delay. It is semi-officially hinted that the submarine question still plays a largo part in the discussions. There is a growing opinion that tho British share the view to some extent with tho Americans that it would be useless to restrict capital ships and at the same time to sanction the creation of an under-seas navy with almost as much potentiality for harm. This would, ho disastrous in tho cause of peace. The week-end brought forward a crop of contradictions by various delegations, denying rumours that there was friction between any of them. This afternoon there were signs of a deadlock between tho United States and T.pan on tho subject of the tonnage ratio of capital ships. It is authoritatively stated that the United States will' see no reason to depart from the original proposition, while it is known that Japan is straining every nerve to keep the Mutsu from being scrapped. In the meanwhile consideration of tho questions of submarine tonnage and auxiliary craft has been postponed, but the American spokesman has pointed ,out that when an agreement is reached respecting capital ships the rest of the naval plan will follow automatically — Special to Australian Press Assn. SPIRIT OF HARMONY EARL BEATTY EXPECTS GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS. (Rec. November 27, 11-5 p.m.) Ottawa, November 26. , Earl Beatty, in a speech, said that if the Washington Conference closed its doors to-morrow, it would luive accomplished something towards releasing the world from the great burden of armament and the taxation it involved. He added that his very presence in Ottawa indicated < that "all goes well” at the Conference. "The limits of the proposed Hughes s plan are not derogatory to tho dignity of the great . Empire to which we belong,” he said, “and the Empire on the sea .will be as safe in the future as it has been in the past. Many questions will bo worked out. Great-achieve-ments desired cannot ba accomplished in a day, but that they will be achieved is signally proved by the spirit of harmony ruling at Washington to-day — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. JAPANESE NAVAL CLAIMS PUBLIC PROTEST AGAINST REPORTED DEADLOCK. Now York, November 25.

The "New York American” definitely states that Admiral Kato has advised the Japanese Government that it must retreat from its claim that tho battleship Mutsu must bo retained, and that tho chance of an increased ratio of the Japanese Navy is hopeless.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Tokio, November 25. The Japanese Cabinet may fall if armaments are not reduced. The public has a deep conviction that the' Washington Conference can succeed, and is indignantly protesting against the reported deadlock between Mr. C. E. Hughes and Admiral Kato. ’ It is the opinion of the well informed that an assurance of peace in the Pacific would render the ratio of warcraft a relatively trivial matter. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FAR EASTERN PROBLEMS STATEMENTS issued on BEHALF OF CHINA EXTRA-TERRITORIALITY AND TARIFF AUTONOMY. (Rec. November 27, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, November 25. The following official statement has been issued:—ln connection with the question of tariff autonomy in China, the provincial military and civil governors agree to abolish “likin.” At the same time Chinese business men are determined to secure the abolition of “likin’’ as soon as China is at liberty to increase her tariff rates, and the Ministry of Finance is making due preparations to carryw.this into effect. Dr. Chung Hutwang has issued a statement to'the Far” Eastern Committee regarding extra-territoriality, objecting to it because it was a derogation of China s sovereign rights and was regarded by tho Chncso as a national humiliaton. Other disadvantages wove the multiplicity of codes of law, the rights claimed' by foreigners, and their immunity from local taxes and excise. It was urged that until the system was abolished it would 'be inexpedient for China to open her entire territory to foreign trade and commerce. It was pointed out that several legal codes of modern application had l been promulgated during recent years* nn<l t-liat others wore in course of preparation. China did not ask for tho immediate and complete abilitlon of extra-territoriality, but invited tho Powers to relinquish their rights at tho end of a definite period. The statement proposes tho appointment of representatives to negotiate with China with a view to the adoption of a. plan for the progressive modification and ultimate abolition of extra-territor-inlity. * . , , The Chinese Minister, Sze, in a statement urged the abolition of foreign pest offices and services on the ground that China’s own postal system was proving increasingly efficient; that the maintenance of foreign post offices was ft violation of her territorial administrative

integrity without treaty rights; and moreover that the offices, being located in centres of population, take the cream of tho business.

It is semi-officially stated that there is no 1 friction between Britain and China. The suggestion that China may withdraw from the Conference is declared' to bo absurd. China docs not object to a consortium if it is limited to international co-operation without economic control or interference.

It is understood in official quarters that no subject will be barred out from the Conference if China wishes a discussion upon it.

At the Pacific Far Eastern Committee meeting to-day Mr. C. E. Hughes expressed great regret that Washington papers had reported dissension at a committee meeting, supposedly based on the American delegates wanting tho minutes of the committee’s proceedings kept, with a view to their subsequent publication enlightening tho public. It wah stated that Mr. Balfour, championing the methods of the old secret diplomacy, strongly opposed the keeping of minutes. Air. Hughes declared that the report was not only untrue, but was grotesque mid did Air. Balfour very gross injustice. Mr. Balfour was deeply moved and thanked Air. Hughes for such a warm defence. —Special to Australian Press Assn. New York, November 25. Some papers to-day declare that China threatens to retire from the Conference unless she is allowed to present her entire case, whether or not it will square with Air. Root’s resolution. This statement is certainly premature. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. COMMITTEE SYMPATHETIC. (Rec. November 27, 11.5 p.m.) Washington, Novem'ber 26. The Far Eastern Committee is most sympathetic in regard to China’s plea respecting tariff autonomy. The American Administration’s view is that something must be done to remove the present restrictions.—Special to Australian Press Assn. [Likin are petty levies imposed by provincial authorities in China on internal trade. The levies are collected at barriers placed wherever trade passes. The bad feature of the system is that it subjects trade to many varying charges and creates conditions at an opposite extreme from those which obtain where there is a settled and stable tariff. - ] MR. LLOYD GEORGE TO ATTEND SAILING FOR AMERICA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. (Rec. November 28, 0.15 a.m.) London, November 27. According to the “Sunday Times” Mr. Lloyd George will sail for America in the middle of December at latest, but earlier if possible.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.