Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1922, Page 2

Washington Conference.

cable news.

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

HOLLAND’S STAND. NEW YORK, Jan 4. Replying to a speaker who deplored the fact- that Holland has not) been iff*' x eluded in the Four-Power Pact, M. Van Karnebeek, who is shortly departing for Holland, declared that his Government was satisfied with the present arrangement. He added: “We had not thought that we would be invitedl to sign the treaty. That’s why we think it all right. I consider the conference ~ has accomplished a .great deal. We approve of the Four-Power Treaty, be- > cause it makes for peace among our neighbours.”

FRANCE COMPROMISES. WASHINGTON, Jan 4

It is stated To-night that, the French Delegation hare notified Mr- Hughes (XJ.S. Secretary) that they have accepted, in principle,. the .second and third Root resolutions, seeking to outlaw uses of submarines. France is now ready to proceed with a. discussion on the scope and wording of these resolutions and on other details, when Italy and Japan so assent.

BRITISH PROGRESS REPORTED WASHINGTON, Jan 4.

It was stated to-night that excellent progress hate been made to-day in British circles in shaping out details of the Naval. Treaty. The experts are dealing with the technical details. The Delegation itself is devoting.its attention; to matters more of policy, such as the procedure to be followed if one of the signatory Powers goes to war with some non-signatory Power. A hope is expressed that! everything will be ready for signing the Treaty this week.

I COMMITTEE SETTLEMENTS. j (Received This Day at 8.30 h.m.) \ WASHINGTON, Jan 4-. The Naval Expert Committee proI gressed far towards a settlement of outstanding technical problems and agreed upon a -standard ton for the replaceI ment programme and scrapping methods. j British quarters do not expect the •French to press their views regarding the arming of merchantmen, though it is anticipated somei rules will be laid down on this subject. It is believed also that the French have received instructions to agree to the ten thousand tons limit for cruisers. The British spokesman to-day dei dared the- delegation was most sceptical j regarding the whole question of China | statements. While they did not affect • the Siberia problem as a whole, they j were looked upon as within the proj vincc of the American delegation to • bridge over, and Britain was anxious to l see a settlement of Siberian,- affairs as I affecting the general peace of the j East.