Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1921, Page 2

Washington Conference.

.From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) ANGLO-SAXON DOMINATION FEARED. j TOKIO, Dec. 13. It is reported that the decision of the Japanese Government to accept the five-five-three naval ratio unconditionally lias elicited a severe denunciation from the Yorodzu Olioko and the Kokomin Shimbun, which are the leading Japanese Government organisations. Both characterise the naval ment as a Japanese surrender. The denounce the administration for submitting to America. The Kokumin Shimbun says: “America’s insistence on such a small ratio for Japan indicates there is a future : plan to threaten to overpower Japan. | Tiie Yorodzu Clioko declares: “This [ naval limitation is part of a long stand- ] ing scheme for the Anglo-Saxon do- ! urination of Asiatics, which has now succeeded.” j It concludes: “Japan no longer has i the right to interfere in world mat- ■ tors, not even in the Far East. QUADRUPLE TREATY SIGNED.

'Received This Day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec 13. In keeping with the usual proceedings of this Conference, the signing of the Quadruple Treaty to-day was marked bv an absence of formality. The delegates arrived clad in sober civilian garb and stood round the Secretary’s room chatting among themselves while, signing, each in turn being called to the. table though merely completing an ordinary, business document not an instrument which was hoped would stabilise the conditions in the Pacific for a generation. All members of the four delegations signed except Gusserand and Sairrant who were unavoidably abSoutli Africa has been added to the list of British Dominions. Mr Balfour signing therefore, as well as head of the British delegation. The treaty is English the French translation being paralleled. English delegates used their own seals and own pens. United States signed first, then Britain, France and Japan whoso four delegates signed the English letters. The names of all the delegates are incorporated m the UYeaty. The British Dominions are headed by Sir F. Borden, then Mr Pearce, Sir J. Salmond, and 1 Hon A. JBalfour. The Treaty will he deposited in the archives of the United States Government and duly certified copies thereof will he transmitted to each signatory power. I THE NEXT PROBLEM.

Though other meetings of the Big Throe will he necessary before finalising the Naval Ratio Question, the British spokesman to-day said he basing his optimism as much on the' advices he received from London as here. It looks; as if the discussion is now centring round the retention of the Mntu, problem of a naval holiday nd outlying fortifications. If Japan keeps the Mutu, it will mean a rearrangement of plans for a naval holiday to enable the building of ships of equal power by Britain and United States. Presidential circles indicated it is not decided when the Treaty shall he submitted to the Senate. They do not intend rushing it. •It will not depend in any way on the naval agreement. rr, -~ ' r> -'>ddent does not propose to submit it personally. A FURTHER AGREEMENT. .Received This Day at 8 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec 13. j Official The following agreement j was signed with the Treaty—ln signing tiie Treaty this day between United States, British Empire, France, and Japan it is declared the understanding and intention of the signatory powers is, first, the Treaty shall apply to the mandated islands of the Pacific Ocean, provided, however, th e making of the Treaty shall not be deemed an assent ■on the part of United States to the mandates and shall not preclude agreements between United States and the mandatory powers respectively, in relation to the mandated islands: second, controversies to which the second paragraph of Article One refers, shall not he taken to embrace questions which according to the principle of international law, lie exclusively within the domestic jurisdiction of the respective powers.