Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1921, Page 2

Washington Conference.

From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) A TREATY. LONDON, Dec 4. The “Morning Post” gives prominence to a telgram from that Mf Harding has consented to submit to the Senate at Tripartite Lreaty between Britain, Dinted States and Japan preserving the status quo m the Pacific, and arranging for ’per«etul settlement ot future dierftences, the three Powers guaranteeing the full sovereignty of China and abrogating tit Anglo-Japanese treaty. The “Morning Post” Washington correspondent expressing the opinion that Democratic and Republican leaders will both support the tefeaty.

TREATY DRAWN UP

AX INTERESTING DOCUMENT.

(Received This Day at 8 a m.l WASHINGTON, Dec 4. The second provision of the Treaty provides for future action,, which wil havo the effect of not allowing any exploitation in the 1* nr East. The third obviates the necessity tor anv Powers further fortifying 1 acific bases, while the fourth removes the greatest source of irritation between Britain and United States. It is believed Mr Harding has given consent to the Treaty which is now on the way to London and Tokio for confirmation. Messrs Lodge and Underwood repre-, sentatives of the two Senate, parties, believe it will be accepted, the Opposition of the irreconcilables such as Mr Borah and Mr Johnston, being offset by the adherence of tiie Democrats.

In its present form, the Treaty leaves nut. France, but it is understood that room is left for that nation’s adherence, should she do desire.

Another Treaty will embed*- the naval agreement of the five, five, three ratio, though posibly this may be modified in favour of one instrument covering the whole range of agrements regarding naval matters. It is not thought likely that Britain will gain her point respecting submar- { ines. Probably Air Balfour will make a j formal protest at the next plenary se.sSsions recording the British view, and i giving notice that Britain will build! to the utmost limit in chasers and sulsmarine defence generally, and moreover will regard-submarines as pirates in the event of another naval war. This will place l the onus of counting submarines as a naval weapon on United States which finds itself in a very delicate position.