Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 December 1921, Page 3

Washington Conference.

.From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) SHANTUNG RAILWAY DISPUTE. NEW YORK, Dec. 2d. Admiral Kato is ill from strain and overwork, Imt his condition is not serious. Mr Hanihara is now representing Japan at Washington. Japan is expected to make another oiler to China regarding the Shantung railway only and intends to insist on having a Japanese or neutral traffic manager. She will not concede China fuii control of the railway during the period of payment. Chinn docs not think these proposals acceptable, hut is not supported by the other delegations, and has been advised that the Conference will not consider the matter. China may take her chance in the closing conversations. Mr Hughes and Mr Halfotir have again been called in. AEEA IUS IN CHINA. WASHINGTON, Dec. 2d. American Conference circles regard recent events in China, especially the establishment of the so-called Dictatorship of the “Super-Tuchun” Chang-Tso-Lin over the Northern Republic, as a vindication of the position taken bribe Powers when they adopted the Root | principles. This c.nx done with the j idea of removing foreign restrictions j and giving China a free hand to develop when she is lit to manage her own affairs and able to guarantee the | safetv of other nationals. , It is evident that the Central Government will be unable to exist if opposed ; l,v the all-poweriul military governors. OPPOSITION TO TREATY. WASHINGTON. Dee. The - New York World” circumstaii-: tiai!y asserts that President Harding further complicated the Eottr Power Pact argument yesterday by telling Conservative Senators that he was willing to go to any length in reservations in-order to secure a satisfactory Opposition. He placed the blame for the contretemps on the Rritish, declining, they were trouble-makers because they insisted on the protection of the Japanese mainland in order to leave the Japanese fleet, free to aid Rritain m the event of an uprising in India. This seems an extravagant viewpoint, and, if true, is calculated in further solidity opposition to the 'lreatv. SUHMARINE QUESTION WASHINGTON, Dee. 27. The Australian press learns irom well authenticated sources that European cabinets are now taking another stand in the settlement of conference questions A proposal is now under discussion there between Rritam and France, to the effect that if Ihitam guarantees the security of French ( .„.,sts in the event of another war, Frame will agree to the abolition of the submarines altogether. There is reason to believe if some such plan is all tinged United States would agree. It is known that Italy favours the plan therefore it is presumed Japan would fall into line.