U.S. PROPOSALS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1928, Page 3

U.S. PROPOSALS

FRENCH OPINION. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association. WASHINGTON, Jan. 5. The seeming shift of sentiment in French Government circles in favour of the principle of the American proposal for a multilateral treaty renouncing war, is accepted in official circles here to-day, with unmixed satisfaction. Whatever reactions France might have towards the plan so far as the League of Nations, or treaties with European States concerned, it is believed that the Poincarer Government could not afford to be placed in a false light by outright and immediate rejection. Some changes in the Kellogg plan may be suggested as a result ot the French CaTiinet’s deliberation, and received in a spirit of accommodation. The State Department has indicated that it is prepared to consider sympathetically any amendments of' the proposal it has made.

ATTITUDE OF JAPAN. NEW' YORK, Jan. 5. The Japanese Ambassador M. Matsudaira, addressing the Japan Society, said: “I am most happy to think that the modest efforts made by Japan at the recent Geneva Conference have not escaped recognition by other nations. I am reluctant to believe that the Conference was in vain and I am confident that none of the three powers concerned regard it as a final rupture of negotiations on the important subjects with which it dealt. I believe that a satisfactory agreement for the limitaof naval craft will be eventually Cached. Japan will continue to pur■*sue a constructive policy of peace, and will support any undertaking which promises to help the definite establishment of peace and justice among nations.” ' . The speaker defended Japan’s policy. He declared Japan was determined tc respect the principle of the open door and equal opportunity evreywliere ir China.

M. Matsudaira also commented upon the growth-in strength and importance \ 0 f Japanese-American relatives. PARISIAN PRESS COMMENT. PARIS, Jan. 5. French opinion on Mr Kellogg’s proposals lias changed. The proposals are now regarded even with favour. The change is the result of a study, of the lull text, from which it does not appear that Mr Kellogg wishes to replace the pact between France and the United a world pact as the summary seemed to imply. “ Le Temps ” says: “ There is no objection in principle to the United States opening negotiations with the FrancoAmerican negotiations. The only essential is that the pacts should harmonise with the Conference, to which Mr Kellogg’s, Vproposals may bring the United States\ nearer. She,

for the first time, is willing to unite with the powers which made themselves the guardians of peace,” “Le Journal Des Debats” says: “We must nlways encourage any initiative against war from ’Washington.”