CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1921, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

Washington Conference. < IUS Tit \LI AN AND N.Z. CAII..E ASSOCIATION t ()XFKBKXCE R V AIOVRS. LONDON, Nov. 25 The New York “American” definitely , states to-day that Knto lias advised the Japanese Government that it must ret;cat from tlie position that the battleship .Mutiis be retained, and that the chalice of an increased ratio for Japanese navy being agreed to, is hopeless. Some papers to-day declare that China is threatening to withdraw from the Conference unless she is allowed to present her entire ease, whether it squares with the Root resolution or not. This statement is certainly premature. LATEST LONDON VIEW. LONDON, Nov. 26 Some of the correspondents of the London newspapers at the Washington Conference are now striking some pessimistic notes over the outcome of the Conference. London worrespondonts indicate that there is a great conflict going on behind the affirmation of the agreement on general principle. j They state the British arid Americans broadly believe in tlie substitution of moral for physical force. Frame is sceptical about the intention to rely on moral force. i The papers add that although war in the Pacific may be scouted for some years, it is doubtful whether a European peace can be secured at \\ ashington. . . •a.., ..114. Tlmtnin

One writer points out that Britain must he .heart and soul with America „u ihe main issues, or else she will leave Washington discredited with Amyricn, and ymbittered with I'"ranee.

JAPANESE PUBLIC OPINION. LONDON, Nov. 26 A United Press message from Tokio staies: “Tlie Japanese Cabinet nitjy fall if armaments are not reduced. The Japanese public has a deep convu tiou that the Washington Conference can succeed, and there are indignant protests .against a reported deadlock that h;is arisen between Air Hughes (Amencit and Admiral Kato (Japan). . ' Well informed Japanese opinion « that an assurance Of peace m the Pacific would render the ratio of craft relatively a trivial matter. BKIAND’S FABEWELL SPEECH. NEW YORK, Nov. 20. M liriami, French Premier, addiessod’ a gatheririg of newspaper men bcToro smiling. He said: “I am going straight, to Paris. I do not intend; to atop in London and confer with an> one Tho Arms Conference has boon a t success from the French standpoint. America knows that Franco is not imperialistic, and she is sure that we are entirely in sympathy with her. AI. Briand said that he felt that his Washington speech had been misinterpreted in Europe.

SECRET PIPbOAiACY

WASHINGTON, Nov 26. Vt the Pacific Far Eastern Committee meeting to-drv, Mr Hughes (America) expressed great regret that the Washington papers hail reported a discussion at a committee meeting that supposedly had lieen based on the American delegates’ wanting the min*tes of the committee’s proceedings kept, with a view to their subsequent publication, thus enlightening the pubAlr Balfour championed the methods of the old secret diplomacy. He said he was strongly opposed to keeping any minutes. Air Hughes declared that the report was not untrue, but it was grotesquo. and it did Mr Balfour the grossest injustice. Mr Balfour was deeply moved and thanked Air Hughes for such a wairm defence.

CHINA’S NEEDS. AVASHIXGTON, Nov 27. It is officially stated in connection wjtli the question of tariff autonomy for China, that her provincial, military and civil governors agree to abolish the “Likin” tax. At the same time, the Chinese business men are determined to secure the abolition of the “Likin” tax. a 4 soon as China is at liberty to increase her tariff rates, the Minister of Finance making due preparations to carry this into effect. Doctor Cluing Hulwang has issued a statement to the Far Eastern Committee regarding the principle of extraterritoriality, and objecting thereto, because it means a derogation of China’s sovereign rights, and is regarded by the Chinese nation as humiliating. Its other disadvantages were the multiplicity of the codes of law and rights. The foreigners claimed immunity from local Chinese taxes and excise. It is urged in the statement that until the system is abolished, it is not expedient for China to open her entire , territory to foreign trade and commerce. _ It was pointed out also that several of the legal codes of modem application were promulgated in recent years and others in course of preparation. China did not ask for au immediate j and complete abolition of extra-terri-tonality but invited tlie powers to re- 1 linquish their rights a-t the end of a

definite period. China proposes the appointment of representatives to negotiate with China for the adoption of peace, and the progressive modification with the ultimate abolition of extra-territoriality. The Chinese Minister Sye, in a statement. urged the abolition of the foreign post office services in China on the ground that China’s own postal system was increasingly efficient. Tho maintenance of foreign post offices was a violation of China’s territorial and administrative integrity, without treaty rights. Moreover, the offices, being’ located in tho centres Depopulation .tako the cream of the business. WASHINGTON, Nov 26. Two important statements were made by President Harding in to-day’s weekly interview. President Harding declared emphatically that he hoped that if this conference was a success, as he was sure it would lie, that it be followed by yearly conferences of a like nature to discuss the affairs of the nations of the world, so reducing the chances of war. The President matin it known also that it was his expectation that other nations might be invited to the' present conference before it closed.

Asked pointedly whefher that included Germany, the President said: “Yes” His fervent hope was that out of the Conference there might arise some form of association of nations.

The finest FLUID MAGNESIA is SHARLAND’S. Afore freshly made than imported kinds. Guaranteed highest strength and purest quality.