CABLE NEWS. Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1921, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

Washington Conference.

'CsniALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FRENCH PRESS PLEASED PARIS. Nov. 23. The Press unreservedly approves of Al. Briand’s speech. The “Petit Farisien” says the declarations of friendship and support of all our Allies, particularly Air Balfour’s must have shown the’ most exrilod pan-Germans that they cannot count on the moral isolalion of Franco. Tlie “Jciiriiiir says M. Briand’s suecess demonstrated to tlie universe tho necessity of a strong Franco 'to ensure peace.

CHINA’S POSITION. WASHINGTON, Nov. 23. Official—The Far Eastern Committee (Usc-usisecl Chinese customs revenue. Koo made a long explanation emphasising that China did not desire to interfere with tho present administration of maritime customs or with devotion of the proceeds of customs revenue to the liquidation of foreign lans. He reviewed historically the circumstances regarding tig. imposition of the tariff sinc-o 1842, with a- view to showing the increased price of commodities had rendered justifiable a revision of .the tariff. Tlie present financial conditions of the Chinese Government required immediate relief. Koo contended that the existing Customs regime in China constituted an infringement of Chinese sovereign rights to fix. Secondly it deprived China of power to make reciprocity arrangements-with foreign powers; thirdly China’s development would he seriously impeded; fourthly, a uniform rate without differentation did hot take into account the economic needs of the Chinese people; fifthly, a serious loss of revenue would be occasioned through a comparatively insignificant return from the present tariff. After a general discussion the subject was transferred to a sub-committee which was appointed yesterday, under the chairmanship of Air Underwood. Sir R. Borden, representing the British Empire unofficially, stated United states will not allow discussion on European departments. Naval experts to-day intimated it would be fully a month before the immense mass of details arising under Air Hughes scheme would be worked out, and ready for presentation. Th 0 Committee will possible be laid down in a few days.

CHINA’S OPEN DOOR. WASHINGTON. Nov. 23. It is senii-officially explained that “the open dour in China is meant as an equal opportunity for nil foreign enterprise. It means that the same tariff shall lie applied to the goods of all nations entering China by land or sea, and that the internal “likin” tax shall he abolished. An iMpatigriniuit to which tlie Far Eastern Committee have agreed implies China’s acceptance of a foreign powers’ financial and railways consortiums. The existing railway concessions are to he pooled, with equal treatment fot traders and passengers of till nations, and the appointment of a railways tribunal to examine (omplaints.

SALAIONI) CROSS-QUESTIONED WASHINGTON, Nov 23.

It was Sir John Snlmond (New Zealand delegate) wlm had his turn to .with stand a battery of American questioning at'the Conference to-day. The usual queries regarding the Anglo-Jap-aneso Alliance were put to him. However he immediately reiterated Senator Pearce’s statement that New Zealanders regarded Japan as their loyal Ally, and felt the Japanese Alliance should nob he abrogated, unless something better were substituted. New Zealand, he said, would welcome the nations concerned for peace in the Paci-

fic. Sir John Snlmond dealt with a multiplicitv of questions put with a ready skill.'

The Limitation of Armament Committee, after a 'general discussion this mooning, relating to land armament, and to new agencies of warfare, appointed and instructed « sub-commit-tee consisting of heads of delegations to draw tip at procedure for dealing with these subjects, and empowered the subcommittee to appoint- another sub-com-mittee to deal with poison gas, aircraft, and the rules of international law.

BEATTY LEAVES. WASHINGTON, Nov. 23. Lord Beatty leaves Washington today. The British suggest his departure has no significance. It is however, impossible not to draw a conclusion that the naval matters arc going on well.