CABLE CONTROL.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 March 1921, Page 5

CABLE CONTROL.

THE YAP CONTROVERSY. AMERICA’S RIGHTS QUESTIONED ISOLATION FROM THE LEAGUE. By Telegraph.— Press Assn.-Copyright Received Feb. 28, 10.50 p.m. Tokio, Feb. 27. It is understood Japan has suggested that the United States should lay a cable direct to Shanghai from Guam as a substitute for the Yap route. Japan takes the stand that the mandate given her means- control of the Yap cables on the same basis as Germany before the war. Japan during the war diverted the Yap end of the cable from Shanghai to Loochoo Island, between Japan and Formosa, for administrative purposes, and cable communications from the United States to Shanghai, via Guam and Yap, therefore do not exist. The newspaper Nichi Nichi Shibum takes the view that the United States is not. in a position to interfere, because she has not ratified the treaty and has not entered the League of Nations, but considering Almerica’s share in winning the war Japan has no right not to consider America’s contention. The Hochi Shibum expresses the opinion that America’s absence from the Deague does not imply that she renounces the right to question the League’s decisions affecting important world affairs. Authoritative opinion holds that Japan will insist upon her mandate over Yap. The United States’ protest to the League aroused great interest. It is explained Japan bases her claim upon the final decision of the Supreme Council in May, 1919, and it is contended that if President Wilson made oral reservations previous to the deliberations of the council Japan was not represented and has no official cognizance thereof. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PROPOSED MEDIATION. Washington, Feb. 26. It is understood that Sir Auckland Geddes, British Ambassador, has been instructed to attempt to mediate in the controversy between the United States and Japan regarding Pacific cable communications. State Department officials say that Britain cannot act as mediator in matters affecting Yap. The controversy is not. only between America and Japan, but involves the United States and all the Allies.—Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn.