Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1921, Page 3

Washington Conference.

PROSPECTS OF THE WEEK. (From the Sj>e<-ial Representative of the Australian Press Association.) (Received This T)av at 10.15 a.m.) WASH INGTOX, Nov. 21. All nations are expected to reduce further, if the general plan of European disarmament, including Russia can he effected. Some of the major questions affecting the Ear East seem likely to be removed as the Conference on the Yap controversy is believed to he over. It is now suggested the Shantung dispute lie settled by negotiations between China and Japan separately. Coder these circumstances the problems are for certain solution. While the opinion is in general expressed that Japan’s insistancc on tin increased tonnage ratio is the only obstacle to a speedy agreement on naval disarmament, it is felt Ja]>:m will not press Iter claims to extremes in face ol -Mr flushes’ definite declaration that United States will not shift from the five, five, three plan, which Uritnin

moreover accepted without any important reservation. Thus the second week of the Conference starts hopefully, and the wav is cleared for real work in committee.

A FRENCH VIEW. ;Received This Day at 9.-10 a.m.) PARIS, November 20. M. Rarthou speaking ;ct the armistice celebration dinner at Strassburg —■- said -M. Briand at Washington will not surrender any guarantee which France requires for its protection, or iiccept limitation of armament without assurance of Germany's complete disarmament.