CABLE NEWS. Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1921, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

Washington Conference .

irsTliM.lAN AND N.Z. CAIU.F. ASSOCIATION. CHINA’S PROPOSAL. , WASHINGTON, November 17. It is believed that United States is in general accord with tlie Chinese proposals and may have lieen consulted before they were presented. The fact that Mr Hughes in the opening session of the Far Eastern Committee referred fust of all to China’s position, lends to colour this assumption. Mr Hughes also indicated that America whole-hear-tedly supports the open door, placating Japan by pointing out that when the door is opened, she was on the threshold and would be the first Eo enter and profit by the new arrangement. Such comment ns has been made on Japanese quarters on the Chinese proposals indicate Japan’s agreement there with, on the general principle. In many aspects they are in accord with the summary of Japan’s views, cabled on Tuesday.

A MANUFACTUR KK’S Vl'fc«s). NEW YORK November 18. Mi- Cliarles Schwab, in a speech at a dinner in honour of Marsnm Foch, said: “I liad the largest war materials manufacturing works in the world. Mv company’s shipyards and the Bethlehem Steel Corporation built more naval ships than were built in any vsinls under one management in America, but I have been thrilled beyond expression by tin- brilliant statesmanlike scheme Mr Hughes is Carrying out. That plan may involve a great monetary loss in some quarters, but such things as financial loss can be of no consideration when compared with the inestimable lioon to mankind which is involved in the realisation of that magnificent plan. May God speed the day when the noble conception can be realised. X say to you from the bottom of m.V heart that if the statesmen now in Washington should find it possible to bring about disarmament and permanent peace, gladly would I see the war making machinery at Bej thejem Steel Works sunk to the bnt- | tom of the ocean. The American iron and steel industry will gladly and willingy accept the money loss if disarmament indicts it upon us.” ARMAMENT SLUMP. TOKIO, Nov 1!). The effect of the armement proposals is now more apparent on the stock market: To-day the stock in armaments and military supplies, and also shipping concerned therein, registered heavy slumps. The majority wf the offers wero going begging. The Osaka stoek exchange registered a heavy drop yesterda-v. owing to the circulation of false reports that Yamagata was dead. * FRENCH VIEWS. PARIS, November If. French papers arc of opinion that America is against any particular I’ow ors forming an alliance. Thus eael State must he able to protect itself Britain will seek to suppress big sub marines. Japan may try to suppres: America’s naval bases in the Pacific The Powers should agree to co-operat< against any danger too great for a lim ited armament to evade.

JAPANESE COUNTER PROPOSALS. OTTAWA, Nov. 18. An Associated Press summary of the Washington proceedings asserts that the British and American experts have an reed practically to accept Mr 11 tithes'.s programme for the limitation of armaments amt of capital ships. It states that the Americans are distinctly against Admiral lvato’s counter proposal fo r .lapnn, demanding a greater ratio of hig ships for Japan. The American experts decline to allow any change which would give Japan a dominating position in the Orient

JAPANESE .\LIdANCK GONE. TOKIO, Now 18. The Ja|Kinese newspaper editorials, and semi-official comment, have all suddenly turned against the renewal of the Anglo-.! apanese Alliance. The substi tution of an American-ltritish-Japau understanding is being urged as highly desirable.

JAI’AXESE BATTLESHIP LAUNCHED. TOKIO, Nov. 17. The battleship Kaga of -39,000 tons, one of those proposed to be scrapped, according to Mr Hughes’s plan, was launched to-day in the presence of 30,(MK> people. BRITAIN’S POWER. i From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) f Received This Day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, November 19.

The opinion has been advanced in well-informed circles that Britain will have greater influence than any nation in the making or breaking of the Conference. It is definitely stated that the United States delegation expressed that view to the President. It is significant that Mr Balfour and Baron Kato held a Conference with Mr Hughes to-day. It is hinted this had to do with Japan’s presence regarding the increased tonnage ratio. This is reflected in the authoritative statement cabled in the afternoon wherein it emphasised the objeejt of Mr Hughes plan was to end an offensive naval war and stop naval competition. At the same time Japan had shifted considerably from submarines to air plane carriers, which she professes to require, because her towns are frail and inflammable and need extra protection from air attacks.

JAPANESE VIEWS. (From the Special Representative of the J Australian Press Association.) j ,"Received This Day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 19. Chinese circles to-night expressed themselves rather favourably towards the Japanese statement, though they see trouble regarding the definition between foreign and domestic matters. Tins is coupled with the Japanese desire that the Conference shall not discuss matters of detail and creates a feeling in the Chinese mind that Japan may want to take a band in putting China on her feet. On the other hand the Japanese sav Koto’s statement is fairly unselfish and harmonised th e particular interests of China with tjje general interest of the world.