Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1922, Page 3

Washington Conference.

From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) SHANTUNG QUESTION. (Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) NEW YORK, Jan. 23. It is reported that the Shantung question is completely settled, with the exception of the status of the railway. It is understood the Japanese have already received filial instructions on the matter while the Chinese are still determined not to alter the position. Various Russian factions at Washing-j ton declared the assurances Japanese gave concerning Siberia are insincere and mocked their promises. American i officials feel Japan will now honour her bond and will assume a less aggressive attitude towards Russian Siberia. The New York “Times” Washington correspondent is informed that United States will not be represented at Genoa, as long as Franee maintains j heavy land forces and Russia lias an j unstable Government, and maintains a j large army. j A CHINESE REQUEST. j •Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) j NEW YORK ,Jati. 24. j It is understood Chinese representa- j tives asked the American delegation at ; Washington Conference to approve of ! the Chinese demand for a public revision of the existing private contracts between the various nationals and Chinese Government. It is understood Americans declined. TRIBUTE TO LORD BRYCE.

'Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 Besides some brief discussion on the Russian Siberian situation the 'committee on Pacific and l'ar Eastern questions spent tho greater part in paying a tribute to Lord Bryce.

JAPANESE SURPLUS. (Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.)

TOKIO, Jan. 24

Takahashi speaking'in the Diet, inti- j mated lie expected there would be sur- ; pins in the Japanese State finances as ; a result of the Washington arrange- • nients. Japan contemplated using the surplus for increasing school subsidies and to improve waterways. BRITISH DIPLOM ACY. NEW YORK, Jan. 24. | Lord Lee addressing the English speaking union, commented upon the j French press statements declaring Rri- j tish diplomacy ensnared the innocent. American delegation. He said, “But what is this diplomacy? It is simply , the plain game of laying all the cards on the table.. It is a diplomacy business talk and plain deal. Tins is what they are doing at Washington ancl that is why tbe Conference is proving a success, at any-rate as between English speaking peoples. We British, of course, do not complain if the view taken of our motives abroad is not m accord with our ideas, but at any rate our delegates are supported, by the whole country.