Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1921, Page 2

Washington Conference.

.From tlie Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) REPORTED AGREEMENT; WASHINGTON, .Dec. 1 It is understood from ti high aiithofity that the Hig Three reached a provisional agreement to-night, Japan accepting the five-five-three ratio, subject to a satisfactory arrangement of the Ear Eastern fortifications, and possibly an Anglo-Japanese alliance substitution.

JAPAN AND ARMAMENTS. TOKIO, Dec. 3. M. Yamnnashi, Japanese War Minister, interviewed, declared Japan wolf'd be agreeable to a world reduction of armies immediately. Another high Governmental official stated tlie reduction of the Japanese Army would be as much as half Japan’s present military force, provided an agreement on the Far Eastern question were reached by the Washington Conference.

JAPAN AND CHINA. WASHINGTON, Dec. 2. It is officially stated the Japanese conversations were resumed in the afternoon, and it was agreed to take actual facts, and not the academic viewpoint, as a basis for the dicussion, which will he for the sole purpose of promoting an understanding and a good neighbourhood, without giving ground for the least interference. The discussion is to he based on the Treaty arrangements, which have been in dispute. An interchange of views on the question of Kaioehau-Tsinan railway took place. The discussion will be continued at another meeting.

A DEFENDER OF JAPAN. LONDON, Dee. 2

Tlie "Daily News” Washington correspondent says: "I do not agree with the common American view that Japan is finessing the naval question. Whatever insinuation lias been made regarding Shantung there is nothing tangible to justify them.”

BRIAND’S RETITRN. PARIS, Dee. 3

The French Premier, M. Briand, lias arrived at Havre, Me was met by the other Ministers.

The newspapers declare the Premier stands confronted with the iiiost serious Allied crisis over tlie reparations and over the Angora Treaty with Tiirkev since the armistice.

The lU'jtorations Commission to-day scut the Cermaii Government a strong reminder of the necessity for finding money for the .January and February payments. It urges Germany to make every possible effort to obtain the amount through foreign exchange, either from its own nationals, who notoriously have such foreign exchange at their disposal, or from foreign lend-

The Commission is convinced that Germany’s difficulties are financial., rather than economic, and are in a great measure due to the fact that the Corman Government has failed to take timely steps to balance its budget. Consei|uently it was necessary to in-

crease the note issue. M. Briand received an enthusiastic reception. Speaking at the Hotel De Ville. he said that lie 'went to America to plead France’s cause. France was always ready to discuss disarmament, hut at a conference of this kind, where the decisions must lie unanimous it was suflicient if one country refused to come into line with another, ' for the whole of the proposals to go hv the Board. France now had a clear con-

M. Briand paid a special tribute to Mr Balfour and emphasised the significance of Mr Balfour’s phrase:—“At all events France can never suffer moral isolation.”

M. Briand, touching on naval disarmament, said:—“France is ready to make the same reductions as her Allies, but France cannot forget that Germany still possesses the nucleus of a formidable fighting force, and weil c<[uippod factories for guns and rifles. France, without seriously imperilling her national existence, cannot make considerable reductions in her army, unless she is furnished with a guarantee for peace and security in the future. Hurling recriminations at »one, each nation must think of her own security. This lil>erty of action was necessarv to everyone.

Despite the small clouds on the horizon, he said he believed the \\ ashington Conference would be far-reaching. There was no reason why the Allies should become angry, separate, and follow divergent paths. They had the common memories of an imperishable glory. They might disagree, but because of blood bonds they must ala ays remain united.

HAPPENINGS AND POSSIBILITIES,

VARIOUS POINTS DISCUSSED.

i From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.)

i Received This Day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 Optimistic feelings as a result of the Conference were confirmed by after talks with all the British delegates including file oversea representatives. There is a feeling that Japan is holding olf a definite acquiescence of the

naval ratio, until the position of the Ear East is clearer. Moth Britain and America sympathise. Cerainl.v neithei seem anxious to finalise the matter. Mr Balfour goes to New York to-nior-nnv, so there is nothing likely to he done until the middle of next week. The fact of his departure is evidence that he anticipates no untoward developments. Japanese quarters admitted a desue of seeing the sourfe of food supply and terial of China protected detin-

raw tmu . . itolv, meaning a recognition of special interests in Manchuria and elsewhere. It is possible Japanese tactics may involve first the rejection of -Mr Hughes's plan, followed by an acceptance after further parley. An optimistic note struck by the l»ritish delegation, was reflected to-day in both administrative and presidential circles of United States. At W hite House the feeling was that things were going almost too well, considering the magnitude of the matters undei dis mission. Mr Harding offered warm compliments to the press on the way j n which they are dealing with the Con-

foreileft. He shicl if nothing else was thM outcome' the press hail succeeded in establishing » state of mind throughout tlie iand which was the finest reflex fif the feel inf's of the Rfepublic and hrivo a profound effect on the peace of the world:. ■

Replying to rumour that liritfiiii was mediating”hetween Japan and United States highest official quarters scouted the idea and said fat from arriving at a time for mediation, the Rig lluee aie discussing topics arising from the reports of experts. While it is inaccurate to snv the Rig Three actually met at a v round table, undoubted conversations arc going on between Mr Rnllour and Jfa ,011 'Kato, Mr Ralfour and Mr Hughes, and Mr Hughes and Raron Kato, which to-day or to-morrow may resolve into a meeting together. It m understood while larger questions of land arinanients are not discussed >.' the Conference some phases will Me tallied before the conclusion of the matter of inviting other nations to share in the deliberations to he left to the ( 011A rumour is current that Mr Hughes intends throwing another bombshell into the Conference regarding Siberia, intending to ask the Rowers to respect the territorial and administrative integritv in the same fashion. They noted the Powers regarding China in * tllls

connection. . The announcement was made to-day that administration intends recommending the expenditure of several million in Russian relief. It was officially announced to-niglit that Mr Ralfour. Mr Hughes and Raron Kato met in the afternoon, and had entered into an interview on the naval proposal, but no comment can he made. It is understood Japan ofleied as a basis of discussion on Shantung, thenproposal of September last, that the line he operated under joint control ot Chinese and Japanese.

It is unofficially stated Japanese recognise sonic measure ot tariff rcfonn is necessary, but it Isis not yet been found possible to suggest a considered scheme in view of the great amount of their trade. It is rumoured that for reasons of domestic policy Japan would herself propose the abrogation -of the -AngloJnpanese Alliance in favour ol some agreement with otliet* nations, coieiing the Flir Eastern and Pacific questions, Franco being mentioned in addition to United States and Rritain. Japanese newspaper circles assert definitely that such ait agreement being formulated, declaring representatives of tiie four Powers are meeting now, Mr Hankey for Rritain, Fletcher for F.S.. l’»nsoiit for France, Suburi for Japan. There will possibly lie some delay m announcing an ngreeiiicnt on the naval ration until the Far Eastern mattcis arc advanced to such a state as would give Japan an assurance regarding her position in the Far East. It is known Raron Kato has sent an important despatch to ’Jokio to-n.iglit which said great progress was made regaiding tho naval agreeniem due to the ellorls ol Ralfour to convince Japan that acquiescence was the right thing to do.

PRESS ARRANGEMENTS. INTERESTING DETAILS. WASHINGTON. Dec. 5

Press arrangements at the ('oniercnce are now settled down in the regular routine, insofar as daily meetings ot the various delegations are eoneei m-d. Borrowing a theatrical simile, the British representatives are always sure ot a good house. Among them all, -Mr Ralfour is the Melba of the company. His meetings with the press are always crowded. It is thoroughly enjoyable to watch his urbane graceful fencing with an awkward question, ,aud the way he expands on a .subject of minor importance. Mr Ruddle, acting liaison officer, is also highly popular. Americans delight in trying to score oft him, which is extremely difficult, the odds 1 icing that he turns the trick against them. Mr Pearce is also appreciated. His direct way and clear exposition oi thorough frankness with all winning all praises of the Americans. Mr Hughes is forceful and direct. 11 is audience stands in a semicircle and tires question after question at him. He answers them all even if lie only says he can’t say anything on that subject. Usually too, there is some humour present, the Secretary of State managing the witticisms occasionally at the expense of too

importunate pressman. Mr Harding holds biweekly meetings standing at his desk in White House, the same way as Mr Hughes. Ihe President speaks slowly ami quietly with curious sideways swing of the head. With him questions are not confined to Conference matters, and range throughout American politics. Among other delegations undoubtedly the most popular is Baron Kato. Speaking no English and employing an interpreter he understands everything said and manifestly enjoyed his half hour on the grid. Nothing is over got from him that he does not desire to give out. There is some close fencing some times and a good deal ol laughter ns Kato extricates himself from a tight corner with diplomatic noil possums.

Chinese delegate* i'll speak perfect j Knglisli. Some being trained '» -'in- | oi'ionn universities, are fully aware of , American universities, are lull.v aware I „f American psychology, but their | meetings are very serious ailairs. I hey j are deeply intent on their country’s ' future and never miss an opportunity | for propaganda, quite the contrary to i Japanese, who seldom make ant Protestations of hu t. • A clever French corresiMuidcut sum- i med up flu- situation tkc other day j when he said the two main dangers to j the conference were the silence’of the Japanese and loquacity of the Chinese, j Italians hold daily meetings chiefly l ~ f or the fact they have nothing to j say which they do at great long!’' j •with an ingenuity. Their part in the j conference is so far unimportant and thev arc not concerned yet in the naval ratio. Nothing in Far Kastern affairs touches them, so they are confined to ail assurance of Italian co-operation in all concerns for the peace of the world. The French hold very few meetings They are chiefly remarkable for throwing monkey wrenches into the machinery of the Conference as did their claim for a navy equal to Japan. The Dutch have held one meeting and Belgium none. Reverting to remarks about Chinese and Japanese attitude towards the press are interesting. According to that report the first day conversation Kato

pointed out the very title of the Shantung question which used to describe the matter was a misnomer. Points awaiting adjustment are only half olio per cent of the province of Shantung wliile a careful examination of correspondence exchanged between China nml Japan shows a difference far more apparent than real.

1.1.0YJ) GEORGE, POSTPONES VISIT. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON. Dee. 3. The “Sunday Times’’ says Lloyd George in view of the |mlitlca] situation at home and abroad, lias decided reluctantly to postpone his Washington journey indefinitely. This is perhaps not to he regretted excessively, liecause it’ is becoming evident the Conference pushed too fast and that international disarmament is not so easily practicable as it had seemed to the idealism "of American statesmen. Time is required to consider Mr Hughes’ proposals in all lrenrings, particularly the naval holiday. Tt is not unlikely the present Conference will be brought to an early conclusion with the idea, after an interval, that work be carried on and completed by a. similar body in IOJJ. Nothing is known in official circles in regard to the decision to.' scrap the Anglo-Japanese alliance. Lord Ciirzon has invited French and Italian Foreign Ministers to meet him and discuss the Near Eastern problem, and agree on a united policy. The French objection bars publication of the entire correspondence which Lord Cur7.on desires.

JAPAN ACCEPTS NAVAL RATIO 'Received This Day at 11.30 a.in.) TOKTO, December 3.

It is understood on good authority that Government have cabled Raron Kato to accept Mr Hughes’ naval ratio, Japan is willing to make the sacrifices involved for the sake of peace in the Pacific. Government instructed Kato to try and secure an American agreement for a reduction of fortifications in Hawaii and Philippines. The announcement of Japanese naval promotions to-day mentions no Admiral for tile second squadron, which will he eliminated as Japan’s first" step towards naval limitations. The press accepts the situation gladly, pointing out that two hnndrcd million yens saved on the navy can he better spent in other directions.