Washington Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1922, Page 4

Washington Conference

OPEN DOOR IN CHINA. AMERICAN FORMULA PRESENTED AUSTRALIAN AND N.?.. CABLE ASSOCnAnON. ■ WASHINGTON, January' 17." Official.—Following is the text of a resolution presented by tfle chairman of the Committee op Fur Eastern Questions, to-day: (1) With a view Mo applying more effectually the principles of the “open door,” or equality of opportunity, ip China for the tracje and" industry of all nations and Powers other than China represented at this Conference, it is agreed: .■ (a.) Nbt to seek, the support of their nationals peeking arrangements whidh might purport to establish or favour their interests and general superiority of rights in respect of commerce and economic developments in any designated region of China. (b) Not to seek the support of their! nationals seeking arapgemcnts which might purport to establish or favour their interests and general superiority of rights in respect of commerce and economic developments in any designated region of China.

(b) Not to seek the support of nations seeking any such monopoly or preference as would deprive other nations of the right of undertaking legitimate trade or industry in China or participating with the Chinese Government or any Provincial Government in China in any category of public enterprise which by reason of its scope, duration, or geographical extent is calculated to frustrate the practical application on the principle of equal opportunity. It is understood that this agreement shall not be construed as to prohibit the acquisition of such properties or rights as may be necossary to the conduct of particular commercial, industrial, or financial undertakings or the encouragement of invention and research.

(2) The Chinese Government takes note about this agreepient, and declares its intention of being guided by the same principles in dealing with applications for economic rights and privileges frpm the Governments and nationals of all foreign countries, whethc parties to this agreement or not.

(3) Powers, including phjna, represented at this Conference, agree in principle to the establishment of a Board of Deference in China to which aiiv question arising from this agreement declaration may bo submitted by ilie parties concerned to the Board of Deference when established, for the purpose of endeavouring to arrive at a satisfactory adjustment on equitable terms.

WASHINGTON, .January 17

The whole of to-day’s meeting of the Far Eastern Committee was devoted to the consideration of the resolutions in connexion with the ‘open door’ proposed by Mr C. E. Hughes. Both the British and the United States delegations regard the resolutions as being of immense importance. Though they have not yet been adopted, no one objected to the principle 0 f the resolutions, but only to details. It is confidently expected that the resolutions will be passed to-morrow.

The British spokesman described the resolutions a$ covering a wifie field, and dealing with much-debated matters contained under the headings of the .Shantung problem and the Twenty-one Demands. It would be found, he said that the principles of the resolutions woukt cover much of' 'these specific questions when applied to them. Therefore, while these two problems could not be discussed by Conference as such, a solution of them would he arrived at largely by the application of the general principles which the NinePower Treaty regarding China would enactj including the “open door” and otter resolutions. A British suggestion that a Board of Deference representative of nine Powers should be appointed to investigate any infringements of the “open door” policy was incorporated in the Hughes resolutions.

The French delegates were the most active critics of the resolutions. They wanted alterations ensuring that there would be no interference -with existing concessions.

The Japanese delegates fully concurred with the resolutions in principle but asked for more time to examine the text.

TBie United States spokesman said Conference had been trying to do something in regard to the “open door” in Chinn, and it was felt they hnd done something valuable. It is understood that the British delegates entirely support the United States in the definition of the open door in China.

The Chinese delegates have received cable messages from the Premier, Liang Rhih-yi, denying that he acted over their heads and dealt directly with Japan on the question of Shantung. He explained that he was trying to effect financial arrangements for taking over the Shantung railway, and attempting to get definite pledges in support of the Yap cable agreement, which is held up till Italy is satisfied respecting assur ances to the ex-German Atlantic cables which she claims she ought to have. DISCUSSION ON CLAUSE 4. FRENCH OBJECTIONS. WASHINGTON, January 17. Mr C. E. Hughes (United States) made most earnest efforts to-day in support of the resolutions. As ho himself phrased it, he felt they brought the Open door in China from a motto to a fact. He met all the objections raised in committee with complete statements. Referring to the proposal for a Board of Reference, which, while not authorising the Board to decide or empowering it to function in derogation of the sovereignty or freedom of any State provided a method of examination in effort at adjustment of disputes, Mr Hughes said it would he futile to consider any coercive arrangement. The arrangement proposed depended on the good faith of ftoyernmente and the power of public opinion when the facts wese widely published by the Board. He reiterated, howeyer that such enquiry bound no one. | The discussions of the open door reso- I lotions will centre on Clause 4. The first three resolutions met with general approval, and may be considered as adopted. While Britain signified her acceptance of the whole series, BYapce voiced I several objections to the last article,

principally on account of its retro-active iqh,f!.raej|qfi.’ sf : 'Saprapt; jointed out that a general revisioij .of all existing contraqtS w,a s ip go way justified. While th? v clause. \ya % a it ipjgljt residt in existing concessions, some of which were long-standing, being attacked before the proposed Board. Mr Hughes admitted the force of M. Sarraut’s arguments. He agreed that Article 4 might fie to make its meaning absolutely .dejjj: ip limited cases where concessions appqjigqd inconsistent with the principles of the agree ment relating to tfie opep dpor.

PACIFIC TREATY WASHJNG|’Ohj, January 17 Democratic politicians and newspapers are circulating laimoui's thM; Mr Woodrow Wii|Oji has definitely jfgcjjffiffd. himelf against the Fqur Pqwqr Treaty on tfie ground ktst it 13 pqntrary to tfie spirit of the ,of Nations. -They estimate that jgf sition will induce several of Senator 0. W. Underwood to leave him and vote against the Treaty, thus bringing the total opposition in the Senate up to a sufficient number to ensure its defeat. The Republicans, however, declare that they welcome the introduetion of the League of Nations issue, which caused the downfall of the Democrats at the last elevtion.