Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1921, Page 3

Washington Conference.

(From the Special Representative 8f the Australian Press Association.)

JAPAN’S GOOD-WILL:, WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 M. Toktigawn (Japan) in a lemarkabie speech to-night, before tiic Federal Council of Churches, declared that militarism was a thing of the past. The policy of military aggression and rivalry had gone. Japan was ready to walk . abreast of the world in a new spirit of p international good-will, understanding ► and co-operation. It is authoritatively stated that Jnpan may now offer to turn over the Shantung railway to China, leaving the financial matters for settlement by a commission. Otherwise the good offices of Britain and the United States will he invoked. Mr Tumulty (ex-President Wilson’s right-hand man) in a signed interview, supports the Treaty, and applauds President Harding’s administration for falling into line with the rest of the world in the matter of international cooperation. SECRET TREATIES. WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 Secretary Hughes agreed that the nations belonging to the League were bound not to make secret engagements. Thus the United States could not suggest a resolution to give effect to this, its iiitciitioit was not to do anything for a derogation of the principles underlying the resolution. Sir A: Geddes suggested adding the following th tiie Root resolution: “The Powers agree not to enter into any treaty, agreement, arrangement or understanding with one another, indi\iduallv or collectively, or with any Power or Powers, which infringes or impairs the principles herein declared.” M. Hasihara proposed the wording of the resolution to be phrased so that China also could he hound to action in the same manner as the other Powers. M. Viviani and Signor Scbniizcr supported the British suggestion. The resolution, slightly modified, was adopted as follows: “The Powcis attending the Conference, the United States, Britain, Belgium, China. Italy. France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal, declare it their intention not to enter any treaty, agreement, arrangement, or understanding citliei with one another individually or collectively, with any Power or Powers, which will infringe or impair the principles adopted on November 21st, known as the Root principles.”

ECONOMIC CONFERENC E WANTED NEW YORK, Dec. 11. The New York Times Washington correspondent states that the General Committee on the Limitation of Armament. tin unofficial body, headed by the ex-U.S.A. Ambassador to Turkey. Mr Strauss, and including Mr (Jumpers and other prominent public men, has passed a resolution asking the iti ted States and the other nations to immediately cill an International Economic Conference. It is pointed out that while the limitation of armaments and a settlement of Pacific problems were higalt desirable solutions, they would prove futile unless the dangerous existing economic problems were solved. The proposed unofficial international financial conference was not sufficient, since they had no authority to deal with the most vital questions, such as tlie stabilisation of exchange, adjustments promoting economic growth and stability. YAP SETTLEMENT. WASHINGTON, December 12. Mr Hughes announced the Yap Treaty covering also the mandated islands has been adopted. Japan retains the island and gives United States cable rights and equal opportunities. AMERICAN ENQUIRY. 'Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 12. Mr Borah introduced in the Senate a resolution calling on the foreign relations committee to investigate the Chinese consortium and also enquire into all loans made to the Chinese Government bv American hanks, especially a s to the extent of German bonds issued by the Chinese Government held by Germany have entered into the transaction at Washington.