Washington Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1921, Page 2

Washington Conference

IL'SIUAMAX AND N.Z. CABI.E ASSOCIATION BRITISH ATTITUDE. LONDON. November it. Air Balfour is telegraphing to Furland a daily summary of the proceedings at the Washington Conference. The Australian Dress Association understands that though the telegrams of Air Balfour, together with foreign comment, are very voluminious all :>ie being completely dusted as they are submitted. Numerous and varying opinions nave been expressed here, in London, and on the Continent which are stated to lie wide of the mark so far as the motives and details are concerned. These comments (which are not cabled) will not affect the British 'ivision at all. The details will be weighed by the British Committee of Imperial Defence, which will report n the Cabinet. Tho entire question will then he laid before both Houses of Parliament, which will finally decide ns to the British reply.

The problems confronting the United States and Japan are, it is s'atcd not comparable to those of Britain which are stupendoni.

I’KIME MINISTER'S VIEWS. “NOT THE END OF AVAR.” WELLINGTON. November LI. Interviewed bv a correspondent regarding the disarmament confere.n o proposals, the I’rime Minister said: “I think the Conference, lias eommen--ed very satisfactorily, though in addition to tho suggestions which have been put forward there will be many very important details to be 1 considered. What is proposed does not mean the end of war, really, but a ten years’ naval holiday, especially so far as capital shins are concerned. There are so far no proposals mentioned with regard to the length of cruisers submarines, or destroyers, or lirships. hut the proposals mean, as I under stand them, peace for the present, especially peace for the Pacific. It will probably he recollected, when speaking to the House of Representatives a few weeks ago, I expressed the opinion that if we are to have continuous peace or peace for a lengthened period it could only come about by friendly arrangements between the three great naval Powers of the world. Britain, America and Japan. I expressed the same opinion at the Imperial Conference. I hold that view now. The world needs peace and in consequence the conference has my very best wishes for satisfactory solution of the difficulties with which we are confronted, but it might ho remembered that Britain was the first to give the lead in disarmament, British ships having been scrapped and the personnel of the navy having been reduced since the armistice by about, two-thirds. I would just like to say this, however, and it only by wav of a reminder, that whatever is agreed to must in order to be satisfactory to British citizens be consistent with the safety and honour of the Empire.”

AMERICAN OPINION. AVASHIXGTON, Nov. 14. The General public’s comment to-day emphasises ■ the United States’ view that tlio Anglo- Japanese Treaty must be scrapped. It is expected that Canadian opinion will support this. One forecast of Air Hughes’ lar Eastern plan says:—“The following principles will be enunciated: —First that ail alliances shall be abrogated; secondly that all Powers shall abandon their spheres of influence, and tho principle of the open (loot* policy is to be absolutely accepted; thirdly that an International Tribunal be constituted, at which all pending questions shall he equitably adjusted. 1 The United States insistence on the open door policy in the Far East will have a reaction, decidedly . affecting Australia. Presumably it would apply to “C” mandate islands. Japan might accept, provided all such islands are treated alike, involving an amendment to the A ersailles Treaty and the abrogation of the exclusion of laws imposed under the Australian and New Zealand mandates. i Afr Balfour’s speech to-morrow will lie couched in general terms. He is usI iag no statistics, and merely indicating general principles desired and the British modifications. Feeling is growing in some quarters that Afr Hughes intends to lay the United States plan for the settlement . of the Far Eastern problems before the ' i-onference to-morrow. Immediately . thereafter three committees will bo con-' sti tuted to deal with disarmament, Far Eastern and Pacific questions, the two latter lieing interlocking, Relegates having been invited to serve on one or the other, according, ns matters affecting the special interests of their countries are reviewed. AY he n other questions conic to tio considered, it is understood that Italy , and Belgium both intend to bring up | the question of Government control of \ raw materials: The former has a spec- ■ hi I reference to Bnwra wool, which affected them adversely. The suggested modification of Afr Hughes’ plan seems to be growing. Japan will follow the British lead m the acceptance of the principles, but she is expected to press for a readjustment of the ratio towards strengthening her naval position. it is understood the meniljers of the British delegation are not unanimous 1 on the question of naval replacements ! I being spread over ten years. At least two. members are likely to urge a complete naval holiday for that period. 1 Then the American viewpoint is (hanging. Technical experts consider more naval tonnage in older vessels should he scrapped, rather than new

vessels. Alcantime Air Denby (U.S.A.) announced to-day that the TT.S. Navy Department will continue building until an agreement has been reached. A finding is growing that the problem of the German debt and reparations must he considered when the economic questions are reached. Representative (Jennans are now arriving.

V HOPEFUL REVIEAV. LONDON, Nov. 14. T'ac "Doily News” Washington correspondent asks: “Can guarantees of the faithful execution of agreements reached by the AVashington Conference be expectedln any ease agreements regarding details cannot obscure the following dominant facts: (1) That America has flung before the world an arresting proposal, involving her voluntary acceptance of second naval place for the next decade; (2) that Britain and Japan are accepting the challenge; and (3) that no other State that may be called on for a similar action could resist the moral pressure, which the example of those three naval Powers will enable the world to apply. This is true, even though the obligations accepted by Amedica, Britain and Japan are morally, rather than legally binding That consideration is relevant, because it is doubtful whether Congress to-dav could constitutionally bind a successor for a decade. Hence, the appointment of a committee to deal with the Far Eastern problem. This problem means the problem of creating political stability, particularly respecting China, which is more vital than disarmament. It will be faced in earnest. So far the bafflinglv difficult relation of the Aug 10-J apa nese Alliance to , the whole question does not simplify matters. Fortunately, it is fully realised especially in British circles, that without a Far Eastern settlement, armament reduction would become a mere matter of economic relief. The conclusion of a satisfactory Far Eastern agreement would alone create faith in the loyal execution of any armaments pact. . NAVAL EXPERT’S VIEAVS.

LONDON, Nov. 14

Archibald Hurd, Naval Critic in the “Daily Telegraph,” says: “The XJnitod States proposals are statesmanlike. America herself proposes big sacrifices, but Britain is also asked to do much in abandoning her four new “Hoods. Nevertheless, we would be saved £30,000 (HK> apart from our expenditure on new docks. Britain Ls also asked to agree to a standard of naval strength below that of the United States if the criterion of fighting value be tonnage plus age for apparently at. the end of the 10 vears’ holiday, the United! States would he Entitled to lay down five capital ships, each of 30,000 tons, while Britain would have to hold her hands for a few years longer. It is inconceivable that Japan should hold out for armaments absorbing o’- P er cent, of her revenue. She has everythin,.- to gain liv an agreement with the United States and Britain, but what of Germany? At present she is permitted to possess six battleships, of 13.000 tons. It- ought- not to be hevoiul tho power of the ashington 'Conference to devise precaution* against Germany which would safeguard the future. The American proposals do not adept light cruisers, but n provision is made that eventually Britain and America will have a similar strength of cruisers and destroyers. 'l'his presumes that America, with her hundred millions of people has the same naval needs as Britain with 440,000,000. Moreover, if sea communication is interrupted, Britain would be faced with starvation; hut, perhaps the American plan does not rule ont tha Dominions providing cruisers oyer and mbove those of Britain. If this is correct it offers a hopeful promise of an agreement.

SECOND SITTING. (Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. lo With tiic democratic absence of formality the second plenary session ot the Conference opened in the presence of a large number of spectators mcluc - Mgmany ladies. It was agreed on lie recommendation of the Aim.mien - mittce appointed at the • " that a committee be nppo.nta, con ,posed of all plenipotentiaries dele a ■ of United States, British l.mpite, Itnly unil J.P™ report- to the full Coiiierence ic-spec-ting armaments with l>o"’ cr 0 n pointment of Tho Conference suvnlfl l *' * U the Pacific Committees recommendation of all plenipotentiary d legnine nations, including the In examine and repot ■ o Eastern cnee regarding l ->< questions.

MK BALFOUR'S I?F>PIA. s*sr£"&r<? * wont, he said 1 nts c f Saturday, spond to the B ie - nation gratihaTcdAH Hughes^£ to hS „s marking the « h(?1(1 grateful November 1-th o{ a iH.-gmni.ig retrospect as tti restore „f a movement not thnt pence condition. or recur. He war conditions s 1 t f lo fortunate counted himself ■ *5 , . [f uglies on earth at being bp' 1 ” (Inughhad admirably kept 1■ ■ • list . . N -Rolfour said tnat .is toV to Ml Hughes be became aware Clvas nesting in a great historical event.

SUBMARINE QUESTION. (Received This Day at 10.10 a....A T.ONDON. Nov. 10. The Manchester “Guardian” in point ing out the Washington scheme does not touch the question mpnannes savs there is reason to helieio Biitnin would not altogether resist n. propos. 1 that all powers scrap submarines si - ■ultaneously. Public opinion of the ■world o.l, gilt to lie consulted m the question, because submarines a o <h cult to control and can be secretly constructed. , , A Chinese delegate, interviewed, ihelarcd that Shantung must be restored to China, who must be also permitted to re-establish her authority in Manchuria. and to work the mines in Mongolia. The open door principle must act in China’s favour, and lot exclusively in favour of the foreign I'-w----ers.

HON ASQUITH s> Ol - (Received This Day at 1-30 p.m.) LONDON. Nov. 10. Hen Asquith, speaking in bondm, £ ■■ ft: week a longer step f ilm-e Been taken than during the last, tin venrs The American proix.su! "('till he accepted with unanimity by all nations is providing the means of escape from an intolerable burden oi aimnments. In bis judgment the problem of naval disarmament lies on tile times lliold of a new and better Europe.