FOUR-POWER TREATY

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 66, 10 December 1921, Page 7

FOUR-POWER TREATY

PACIFIC AND FAR EASTERN PROBLEMS DECISIONS AT WASHINGTON CONFERENCE PLENARY SESSION TO-DAY The Washington Conference is reported to have reached an agreement on Pacific and Far Eastern problems, which will be embodied in a Four-Power Treaty. Important decisions respecting China are also announced. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. December 9, 9.40 p.m.) Washington, December 8. The Australian Press Association learns on the best authority that it is probable that a plenary session of the. Conference will be called fori Saturday iu order to sign a treaty between four Powers deal-ing-with the Pacific and Far Eastern problems. The treaty consists of foulclauses as already indicated, guaranteeing (1) territorial integrity, (2) maintenance of the status quo, (3) meditation and arbitration, (4) abrogation of the AngloJapanese Alliance. When the treaty has been ratified constitutionally by the four Powers signing it, it will give .the greatest possible impetus to the naval ratio and other matters outstanding at the Conference, the settlement of which is expected io proceed without delay. Japan, with such a treaty being assured her, will be much readier to agree to the five-five-threc ratio. Some reports say that the treaty has already been signed, and that the plenary session will only be held lor the purpose of making a public announceniCTit. It is stated that the period of the- treaty is ten years. The Japanese delegation persist in saying that there has been nothing from Tokio yet regarding the naval ratio, but it is believed that they are withholding .information until the Far Eastern Treaty has been accomplished. The Japanese Government exnect to retain Saghalrcii as a guarantee for indemnity in connection .with the Nikolavesk massacre until the establishment of a stable, All-Russian Government. This will be Japan’s position when the Conference reaches consideration of the Siberian question. It is doubtful whether the Conference has officially received the Japanese notification vet. It is awaiting the full Japanese agreement on all matters, including the ratio, before announcing its decision. It is also indicated that the arrangement, of whatever nature, will be between four Powers, including France. One well-in-formed source says that it will bo submitted to the Senate, suggesting a treaty f'V'careful canvass of that body shows that there is no substantial opposition to naval disarmament, but there is likcIv to be some to a Far Eastern agreement if it provides for an offensive alliance or is unsatisfactory to China. Regarding Pacific nrohlems. the opposition is not so strong owing io <Le fact that the Yap controversy is out ot the way. The Australian Press Association has no ■ further confirmation of the Press statement ..regarding the treaty, except that France has now accepted a definite invitation io liecome a ’ signatory, and that Article IV has been altered to Provide for the abrogation of the Anglo-Jap-anese Alliance conditional on the treaty being ratified according to constitutional methods by the signatory Powers. . I his means that the Senate will have the treaty submitted to them. c president Harding is reported to b" confident that ho can carry th? Senate with him. Special to Australian Press'Assn. CONFIRMATION OF DETAILS “X COOLING -OFF”""AGREEMENT. Washington, December 8. Semi-official confirmation of details, as cabled during tho last few days by the special correspondent of the Austrabau Press Agency, is obtainable to-daj. The British spokesman indicated that the Japanese Government had a PP ro '’ c< ‘ the Pacific proposals, including son e form of substitution for the Anglo-Japan-ese Alliance, but the nava ratio has not yet been finally decided, though theie « every indication of a favourable decision. The proposals submitted to Japan were divided under three heads-the AngloJanane.se Alliance and the Pacihc problems; the naval ratio; and n " va ’ tas . l ? and fortifications. China was, * separately. Regarding the ihiid, theie nlay be some arrangement to maintain the status quo in the Pacific ■ Describing the character of the at rangement. (ho spokesman said it would probably take the form of a coobn off” agreement, providing for <W'iy in discussion, over a period in cases; where difficulties of opinion occur.-Special to Australian Press Assn. The Associated Press announces that a Four-Power agreement is being considered. It is officially learned that it would be an agreement, for lomt consultation in matters affecting the interests of tho=e nations in the Pacific, and not an alliance or technical entente, t he agreement is in process of lieing reduced to Irealv form, and if accepted will be submitted to Senate. The proposed undertaking will cancel the Anglo-Jananesc Alliance. Proposals have gone to .L.pnn for the renunciation of that alliance if the new agreement should be consum-mated.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FAR EASTERN . PROBLEMS CHINA AND THE POWERS AGREEMENT TO MAINTAIN THE ROOT PRINCIPLES. (Rec. December 9, 8.30 p.m.) Washington, December 8. Official.-The Far Eastern Committee to-dav discussed China’s third proposal, that‘the Powers agree not to conclude among themselves n treaty or agreement directly affecting China without previously notifying China and giving her an opportunity to participate. , ~ r Dr Wellington Koo pointed out that such' agreements fell into two divisions —(1) mutual engagements to abstain nom certain action in special parts of China; (2) engagements for mutual assistance in support of the general interests of al foreign Powers in Chinn, or the special interests claimed by parties to the agreement. Regarding tho hrs! there ha been many objections, such as the method of arranging the action of one nation upon the territory of another, involving national monopoly or preference. China wished all parts to be open to all nations on equal terms/ The oilier group of treaties dealt with the safeguarding and defending of territorial rights and special interests in the Far East, speciallv mentioning China. 'I hey contained three feature.s-(l) A declaration by the contracting parties that good order should be maintained; (2) a declaration in support of the independence and mtccritv of China, the maintenance ot the open ’door. and. aid in the defence of special interests: (3) a recognition that propinquity creates special relations All three features, he said, were vital to (he interests of China. The effect of nil such, agreements was to maintain conditions intimately affecting the rights

of liberty of action of China herself. It appeared, therefore, that the Chinese Government had an equitable right to be consulted on all agreements dealing with the general situation in the Far East, including China, even though animated entirely by a friendly spirit. Mr. Balfour objected to Dr. Koo’s plan, which was altogether too wide. He said that everybody sympathised with China’s aspirations, and was anxious to remove abnormal conditions. A better way would be to declare that no one wished to perpetuate the system of spheres of interest or international understandings on which they depended. All that the Conference could do was to see that no undue limitations were placed on China’s sovereign independence and give all the help it could. He could not believe that the Powers would accept the third point in its entirety, as it went much beyond the existing principles of international law. He asked the Chinese delegates not to press the resolution, but to deal with particular evils. The Root resolutions, if sincerely earned out, would do all that w:w wanted. ■Mr. C. Hughes agreed that the nations belonging to the League were bound not to make secret engagements. AVhile tho United States could not have suggested erabodving the resolution, its intention was not to do anything in derogation of the principles underlying the resolution. Sir Auckland Geddes suggested adding the following to the Root resolutions: “The Powers agree not to enter into any treaty, agreement, arrangement, or understanding with one another, individuallv or collectively, or with any Power or Powers, which infringe or impair the principles herein declared.” Mr. Hanihara proposed that the wordin" of the resolution be phrased so that China should also be bound to action in the same manner as other ( Powers. MM. Viviani and Schanzer supported the British suggestion?. The resolution, slightly modified, was adopted as follows :-“The Powers attending the Conference—the United states, Britain, Belgium, China, I rance, Italy. Snain. The Netherlands, and it their intention not to enter into any treaty, agreement, arrangement. or understanding, either with one”another individually, or collectively with any Power or Powers, which will infringe or impair the principles adopted on November 21 known as the Root prm-ciplcs.’-_Special to Australian Press Assn. [The Root principles are a series of resolutions prepared for the consideration of the Far Eastern Committee by Mr. Elihu Root. They were fully discussed on November 21. and adopted in the following amended form:—“lt is the firm intention of the Powers attending this Conference: First, to respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial and administrative integrity of China. Second, to provide the fullest and most unembarrassed opportunity for China to develop and maintain for herself an effective and stable Government. Third, to use their influence for the purpose of cffectuallv establishing and maintaining the principle of equal opportunity for the commerce and industry of all nation? throughout the territory of China. Fourthly, to refrain from taking advantage ot the present conditions in order to seek special rights and privileges which would abridge the rights of. subjects or citizens of friendly .Staffs and from countenancing action inimical to the security of such States.]

CHINA AND JAPAN

REPLY T(3 MR. HANIHARA

Washington, December 7.

Official.—Dr, AVellington Koo has issued a statement in reply to Mr. Hanihara. Ho says: “China cannot be expected to subscribe to Mr. Ilanihara’s declaration that Japan succeeded Germany in the leasehold of Kiaochau under the Versailles Treaty. It is gratifying to note the reference that Japan obtained the leased territory from either Powers at a considerable, sacrifice of blood and treasure, liecause it confirms tlie. Chinese delegation’s view that the maintenance of foreign leased territories jeopardises peace in the Far East.” Referring to Manchuria, Dr. Koo says: “This is one important part of Chinese territory, because it is the historic road of invasion of China. Also, the economic life of the Chinese people depends in a vital measure on Manchuria’s natural agricultural resources, and it is an important outlet for China’s surplus population. The interests of no other foreign Power can compare with China’s in Manchuria. As to Kowloon, there is much tn be said fqr the importance of Hong-Kong in. the trading world, but while it is necessary to provide for the protection of such trade, the retention of Kowloon may not necessarily he the sole .solution.” —Special to Australian Press’ Assn. INDIAN VIEWPOINT ULTIMATE BENEFIT FROM DISARMAMENT. (Rec. December 9, 9.40 p.m.) Washington, December 8. The spokesman of India pointed out to-day that the benefits of the Disarmament Conference would not immediately affect India, which was apprehensive of nations such as Russia. He was sure, however, that disarmament must eventually react to the benefit of India. He only objected to the clause in the AngloJapanese Alliance which prohibited Japan from coming to the assistance of Britain in the case of trouble in India; he wanted all reference to India removed. He looked approvingly on (he recently-de-veloped movement for other nations to be brought in in regard to Pacific affairs, as it made for a larger understanding, removing causes of friction. The Indian spokesman explained that the cry "Asia for the Asiatics” was only heard when white races claimed the empty space? of the earth for themselves and excluded Indians from enjoying their benefits. He assured his hearers that the vast majority of politically-minded men in India hod no preference for Japan. The Chinese and Japanese delegates to-day continued their discussion on public properties and arjjovrned. —Special to Australian Press Assn. THE DOMINIONS’ STATUS EQUAL FOOTING V’TTH OTHER. NATIONS. (Rec. December 9, 5.5 p.m.) Cane Town, December 8. General Smuts, in a speech at Winburg, said that his protest against South Africa attending the Washington Conference unless it went on its own legs had been taken the British Government with far-reaching results, for the representatives of other Dominions to-day attending the Conference were not there as British Empire delegates, but as represent al ives of their separate Dominions. His object: ha(l thus been achieved, and any treaty made at Wash•ingion would l>o signed on behalf of South Africa on an equal footing with all other nation's. The Americans’ attitude, which had tarnished South Africa’s status, had now been righted, largely owing to his efforts.—Reuter. ABOLITION OF CAPITAL SHIPS ADVOCATED IN JAPAN. (Rec. December 9, 5.5 p.m.) Tokio, December 8. The destroyer Hachisu, y-ork on which was started in February, was launched at: the Uraga dock this morning, and the ke-.-l of the light cruiser Abukumagawa was immediately laid. Viscount Kato. Leader of the Opposition. announces his advocacy of a policy of abolition of all capital ships in all navies. This indicates how popular the limitation proposals arc in Japan, with the Opposition outbidding the Govern-, men!.—Reuter.