POWERS’ CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 56, 30 November 1921, Page 5

POWERS’ CONFERENCE

OPTIMISM REGARDING RESULTS MAJOR PROBLEMS SETTLED BEFORE CHRISTMAS A JAPANESE PREDICTION The British, American, and Japanese delegates are most optimistic regarding the results of the Conference, and in Japanese quarters it is predicted that the disarmament and Far East problems will be settled before Christ, mas. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Washington, November 28. Regarding the rumours that little progreas is being made at the Conference, a high authority states that the British, American, and Japanese delegates are most optimistic regarding the results, and are satisfied with the progress made. Japanese quarters definitely predict a settlement of all the major problems —disarmament and the Far East—before Christmas.

The rejort of the Armament Committee will probably bo presented to the Conference at next week’s plenary session.

The British delegation has not received any advice irom. London regarding Mr. Lloyd George’s visit. Although French circles accept President Harding’s proposals in principle, it is unlikely that they will agree to moot Germany at the council table unless the latter gives a definite undertaking as to the payment of reparations. It was indicated to-day, in both Japanese and Chinese, circles, that the Shantung question will bo settled outside tho Conference.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. POLICIES OF BRITAIN AND FRANCE FRANK AND FULL EXPLANATION URGED. Paris, November 28. The "Petit Journal’’ declares: "The Washington Conference stopped at the first act, and discussion on tho naval truce has been completely suspended. Evilly-disposed minds even suggest that the British Government, under pressure of high finance, is endeavouring to modify tho gait of tho Conference, and that Lord Curzon’s speech was merely a smoke-screen, behind which the. British dreadnoughts are retiring to their bases. If this is so, tho Conference cannot usefully continue its work until there has been a frank and full explanation between Paris and London, and perhaps Rome.” Both the "Matin” and the Journal declare that tho time has come for a frank explanation, not between Dlr. Lloyd George and M. Briand, but between the Parliaments of the.two countries, in which both countries should clearly define their policies. Senator Jouvenal, editor of the "Matin,” in an article blames Mr. Lloyd George’s selfish policy for the upset of the exchanges, and asks whether he is looking for salvation in a new reduction of the German debt. "Tho diplomatic offensives of the British Government are being renewed too often not to destroy our confidence. France in no way seeks to separate her cause from Britain, but she refuses to lose both causes to accommodate Mr. Lloyd George and Lord Curzon.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MEMORY OF QUARREL SHOULD BE WIPED OUT. (Rec. November 29, 8.20 p.m.) Paris, November 28. "L’Honime Libre,” discussing tho An-glo-French position, says: "Let us cease this child’s play regarding what country shall 'bo supremo in the East. It is quite timo M. Briand returned to take the whole matter in hand and speak to Mr. Lloyd George. We should wipe out the memory of this quarrel as soon as possible. It has already cost us, through tho British Press campaign and Lord Curzon’s speech, part of the enormous effect which M. Briand’s speech produced at the Washington Conference It may cost also the indispensable help of England in difficulties that may arise between Germany and ourselves in the near future regarding reparations. Let us Be practical, nnd not lose the substance for the shadow.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HOSTILE PROPAGANDA SINN FEIN ORGANISATION IN WASHINGTON. (Rec. November 29, 10 p.m.) Washington, November 29. The Friends of Irish Freedom, a Sinn Fein organisation, has come into the open with a circular opposing tho Disarmament Conference, because thereby the United States is playing into the hands of Britain. 'The circular is largely devoted to hostile references to the Conference. Another active, propaganda organisation here is the Friends of India Council, ostensibly pleading the cause of the Indian non-co-oporators, but it is interesting to note that many names on the directorate of tho latter, such as Frank P. Walsh, are prominent in Sinn Fein ' councils in America.—Special to Australian Press Assn.

NAVAL DISARMAMENT THE FIVE-FIVE-THREE FORMULA JAPANESE BATTLESHIP MUTBV. (Rec. November 29, 9.5 p.m.) Washington, November 28. An American semi-official spokesman expressed the hope to-day that naval disarmament would Ire very speedily dealt with. It was rapidly approaching a point where no questions of fact remained, which brought the conference to questions of principle. Ho had not yet seen «iny reason to elepnrt from inc United States basis of calculations, on which the five-flvo-threo formula was founded. Expert examination demonstrated tho exactness of tho United. States conclusions. Questioned regarding the Japanese battleship Alut.su, Ins answer was guarded. He pointed out that the calculations were made on tho basis of ships built and building as the foundation of existing strength. Fixing a ratio did not mean scrapping this ship or that shin. Tho problem was to find what sacrifices tho fixing of a ratio would entail. He emphasised anew that a most friendly spirit, of co-operation prevailed among all attending the Conference. Tho Japanese refuse to commit themselves on tho Afut.su question. They say tho matter is still in the hands of the exports, who have not yet made their final report. It is very difficult to say when the conclusions will reach finality. It would seem that they have not abandoned hopo of saving tho battleship—Special to Australian Tress As’ii. UNITED STATEjTnAVAL YARDS ORDERS TO ST.OW DOWN CONSTRUCTION. s?oc. November 29, 5 5 p.m.) New York, November 28. A telegram to tho Philadelphia "Public Ledger” states that Vice-Admiral Ide,

Vice-Minister of the Navy, informed a correspondent that he was preparing to faco tho problems raised by tho possible adoption of Mr. Hughes’s proposals. Orders had been sent to the chief naval arsenals and dockyards to cease all repair work for the present, and slow down all new construction. No hands at these yards had been, paid off yet, but plans for such action were being considered. Admiral Ido explained that it was impossible to check immediately work in private yards owing to tho danger of serious labour troubles arising if thousands of workmen were thrown out of employment, but plans were being formulated to liquidate contracts in such a way as to prevent labour disorders and financial disaster to shipbuilding companies which were entirely dependent on naval contracts. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRENCH PREMIER’S SPEECH NO OFFENSIVE REFERENCE TO ITALIAN ARMY. (Rcc. November 29, 9.5 p.m.) Washington, November 28. To-day’s proceedings' of the Far Eastern Committee opened with a full and specific denial by Mr. Hughes, as chairman, that DI. Briand ever said anything offensive respecting tho Italian army, as alleged by French correspondents, which was the cause of the antiFrench riots in an Italian town. DI. Viviani and Signor Schanzcr thanked the chairman for his authoritative denials, which they both endorsed fully.— Special to. Australian Press Asn. CONSORTIUM FOR CHINA ‘ MODIFICATIONS TO BE ASKED FOR Washington, November 23. China is now unofficially indicating that her delegation is prepared to agree to a consortium, with certain modifications, removing or specifically defining the major objections, such as recognition of Japan’s special interests in Manchuria and Mongolia, granting international control of the railways, and giving the financial group under the consortium a practical monopoly in raising leans.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FOREIGN POST OFFICES IN CHINA PROVISION FOR ABANDONMENT. (Bee. November 29, 9.5 p.m.) 1 Washington, November 28. It is officially stated that the Eastern Committee unanimously adopted tho sub-committee’s report on foreign post offices in China, providing for their abandonment subject to the establishment of an efficient Chinese service, and an assurance from the Government that it contemplates no change in the present postal administration in so far as the status of the foreign co-director is concerned. The date of enforcement of abandonment has been fixed. There will be a public announcement in tho near future as to which Powers will undertake to afford tho Chinese Customs authorities an opportunity to examine all postal matter except ordinary letters, with a view to the discovery of dutiable or contraband articles. A statement has been received from the Chinese asking for tho removal of unsanctioncd establishments, such as foreign troops, police, telegraph and wireless stations. —Special to Australian Press Assn. SHANTUNG PROVINCE JAPAN WILLING TO WITHDRAW TROOPS. (Rec. November 29, 10 p.m.) Washington, November 29. It is understood that the Japanese have indicated their willingness to withdraw troops from the Shantung province, including Kiaocbau, as soon as China has organised a proper police force and assumed responsibility for guarding the Shantung railway.—Special to Australian Press Assn.