Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1921, Page 3

Washington Conference.

(From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) THE FAR EAST. WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 The Official Committee on the Far Eastern question this afternoon discussed a series of resolutions prepared for their considei atimi, hv. Mr Eliliu Root, setting forth, the general principles to guide the committee. After a full discussion all amendment was adopted as follows:—‘‘lt is the (inn intention of the Powers iittendiiij? this Conference, first to respect the sovereignty independence, and territorial administrative integrity ot China*; secondly, to provide the fullest and most unemhnrrassed opportunity for China to develop and maintain for herself an effective and stable Government : thirdly, to use their influence for the purpose of effectually establishing and maintaining a principle ol equal opportunity for the commerce and industry of all nations throughout the territory of China ; fourthly, to refrain from taking advantage of the present conditions in China in order to seek special rights and privileges which would abridge the rights of subjects ol friendly States, and from countenancing any action inimical to the security of such States.”

WORK OE CONFERENCE. (From the Special Representative ol the Australian Ptess Association.) I i (Received This Day at 8 a.in.) WASHINGTON. Nov. 21 Except for the sensational aliening, the day has been the most interesting day of the Conference. Alter M. Rriand’s impassioned oratory, with Mr Balfour’s cordial undertaking on behalf of Britain that the sacriiiees of the great war would he made again should the occasion call, and Mr Hughes’s more cautious assurance that the defenders of liberty and justice would never stand in moral isolation, the day merged into one of meetings, explanations and expoundings culminating in the evening with the issue ol the Far Eastern communique. These resolutions were characterised by one important member of the British delegation as a long step forward towards a common policy. Several others, representing different Governments, including Japan, expressed satisfaction., The resolutions were unanimously adopted by all the Powers except, ot poiirso. China mi nscri thoivlo. Though they do mu go beyond general principles capable ol rations interpretations. they lay don u conditions which meet, to some extent, ( hiua s ten points. Japan’s declaration «a> alike noticeable. The mcmotamlum does not refer to t liina m define chat word China, as used throughout This gives lisa to |ho .cum. ..pe.-nlal nqi that Main buna will he Intel. subject to bargaining icganling Japan’s claim to special rights therein. It was admitted to-day that negotiations regarding Shantung are going on at Pekin beta ceil the Governments of China and Japan, hut apparently the latter’s delegation would prefer the question to he settled here, pleading that public opinion i- now lavolirahle to that course. The representative of China explaining the split between North ami South Governments., said there wefe no wide dilference in political principles. The successful issue of the (’onterenee would help to unity China.

ANOTHER FEATURE. WASHINGTON. Nov. 21 Another remarkable feature to-day was the evident anxiety of British representatives to explain exactly the position of the Empire towards the Japanese Alliance. There has been a great amount of press comment lately, not only American, hut also British and European, to the idled that the Alliance must lie sewipped. Hon Lloyd George's speech in the Commons on 1 / 1 1 1 August, reviewed the work of the Imperial Conference and also the lemaiks in the re|x>rt of the same Conference woro read to American pressmen. Stress was laid on his famous phrase—•’The British Empire must behave like gentlemen.'' At the same time, it is explained that the British attitude during the last few days had mu shown anv special movement. It was granted several clauses of the Alliance were ahsolescent, the conditions calling them forth having ceased, hut that dot mean that the principle of friendship between Britain and .Japan was ahsolescent. That was as fresh and strong as ever. The spokesmen were careful to assure interviewers that it was not. a question of tile Alliance being maintained, provided some better way for ensuring common accord respecting Far Eastern questions Could !>'■ found. The Australian I’rcss Association understands tin- first, care of tin l I'ar East Committee will he a definition of what constitutes China. This lias never been discussed.

EUBTIIER SURPRISE. WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 Another surprise was sprung to-night when from French quarters came a statement that France- wanted the same size- capital ship fleet as Japan and as much tonnage as Biitain or United States. She also desired the naval holiday not to apply to them after P.l'.’li, owing to special reasons governing their need for replacement and requested they he placed before the Committee on armament by M. Behind bcfoic his departure. If the intention is cot redly reported, it constitutes a complete volte lace on the part of the French delegation, which until two da\s ago affirmed that the French fleet was negligible ami did not need the attention of the Conference. A deduction may lie drawn that the request, following Mr Balfour's argument that before the three great naval powers filially agree regarding the limitation of navies, the smaller lleets should also he regulated. It is known that -M. lJriand had a conference with Mr Hughes and Mr Lodge before the statement was made. It is impossible to avoid comparison of the live, three fleet Britain and Japan, with tin- proposed five, three fleet United (states and France.