Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1921, Page 3

Washington Conference.

BRIAXD’S FAREWELL. (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press A social ion.) (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 24. M. Rrinnd in taking farewell of the ConlVi om e paid a tribute to the courageous initiative of the American Government. Ho expressed the deepest gratitude to his colleagues for the words spoken, addressed to France. He wa,s certain the exchange of the friendly doclnrations which had taken place Itefore the whole world would enable Europe to take a great step forward on the road to peace. No longer would anyone be able to say that armaments in France were a mask of offensive intentions of to-morrow. The French Parliament would take up consideration of the military problem with a de*ire to make the greatest possible progress in the realm of reduction of military burdens. Probably the military service term would lie reduced by half. M. Briand expressed thanks for the words spoken at Washington and declared the belief that a decision would he reached in a serene atmosphere.

BEATTY SATISFIED. (Received This Bay at 8.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 24. Admiral Brtitty confirms the report that he is departing, and indicates that things are going well. Ho declares very satisfactory progress was made. He is leaving with equanimity. The conference will not entirely unshackle China from foreign influence.

CHINESE ATTITUDE. (•Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) WASHINGBTON. Nov. 21.

Chinese are not entirely pleased with some of the principles enunciated in the Root liesolutioii hut it >6 evident tile Republican Government, no matter what- protestations it may make will be. unable to enforce its will or commandment hvov a large part of inland China. For example while the delegation declares it favour* the abolition of the Likin, this is unlikely to lx 1 elfecvftwl on face of the opposition of the maritime provinces, for whom it means a big source of revenue. On the other hand, several Powers consider tli,. Likin, will he abolished if the tariff is pawed.

A PRESS VIEW. (Received This Day at 9.40 a.in.) LONDON. Nov. 21. The “Westnunster Gazette” Washington cm respondent says it is plain that Franee and Italy, could, if they chose, make Mr Hughes’s naval plan ini|sissihle. Recognition of this fact comes with a certain shock to Aun iican reunion, hut ii is lieee ni\ and salutwy. helping to slice. Aiieiiinm. the impessihility ot , m !"v ! w Irem Em i uie. BAlils. Nos. 21. Speaking at tlw Anieiican Club. Herrick (Amhassailor) said: "Me Ameriaens were recalled by the war from our moneymaking and s,t last the great intellect of Amisica has begun to iindcrsiaml that America must co-operate in the economic re-establishment ol the world. Wo have iecuguised it jiitr manifest duty to restore the balance ol the broken down world.”

RRIAND'S MISSION. (Received This Dnv at 9.40 a.m.) PARIS, Nov. 21. Tho •Figaro" referring to M. liriam.lL depart me from America, says it most he considered that it,, results are negative. WAIISINGTON. Nov. 21 M. liriaml interviewed, said, "1 regard my mission here as success!ill. IL' considered lie was taking hack to his countrymen recognition ol tin* special position oi Prance. He had been assured of support. France was not asked to limit the army any lutiber than was her intention betore the ConferenceHe refrained from asking for any spend formal resolution, because he fhoiight that might restrict the effect of t-ho words spoken by all delegates. It i. understood that a resolution may be tabled before the ( onto re nee adjourns finally. The question of land armaments was practically shelved so far as this Coiiforrtiec is i ouccrned, cxis.pt such mattcis as today were referred to sub-commit toes of el) nations sepioscntafives. ami until all European powers agree together including Russia, Germany, and the Little Entente, there is no chance ol a general disarmament.

CHINESE AITHORITY. fßeceived This Day at 1.80 p.m.) WASH INGTO.N Nov. 21 A statement lms been made definitely from several sources that the I‘iench delegation, at yesterday’s meeting ol the Far Eastern committee, questioned the credentials of the Chinese delegation to speak with authority lor the whole of China. The Chinese replied that tliov represented the only Government recognised hr the Powers, hut the incident revealed oim of tht- mam complexifies of the Chinese problem. Ihe French iitfit.fdc is explainable, because the South China Government with holders marching with those oi !"•**>- China is more closely associated «itb French interests. A, the same tune, U inerts, singly plain that the Clmidelegation, while vigorously suiting its ease cannot pledge the whole country to acee|st the "‘.mi s ~ „,i.. .. Mr l mWuooil ( oii*eqm'Htl>, ut ui • . Hears up the luvsWii.s of Chinese t,n----i, is possible the next step «m be to determiue tin- sco,«* and stability of the Peking Government.