PACIFIC CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC CONFERENCE.

ATTITUDE OF JAPAN, LIKELY TO PARTICIPATE. DISARMAMENT FAVORED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright Received July 25, 5.5 pan. Tokio, July 23. It is understood that Japan has received a reassuring reply from the United States concerning the objects of the Far Eastern conference, and it is believed Japan will shortly intimate her acceptance of the invitation to participate in the discussions. It is believed Japan has also received word from the Allies assuring her that the conference nili in no way be directed against Japanese interests.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Received July 25, 10.30 pan. Washington, July 24. The Chicago Tribune’s Tientsin correspondent has received a statement from Baron Kato, revised and approved by M. Harr, stating that the Japanese Navy conaiders the existence of two squadrons a necessary and irreducible minimum for naval defence. This was decided after the Chino-Japanese War. The framers of the eight-and-eight programme did not have in mind any probable enemy; they only knew that the financial ability of Jaoan permitted such a programme, whereby Japan would attempt to compete with the United Sttaes Navy. Japan would gladly participate in a disarmament conference; “although,” added Baron Kato, “our relatively inferior navy cannot lead the way in a reduction. I therefore would not insist upon the complete eight-and-eight programme under certain circumstances.” POLICY OF CHINA. NO PERSONAL AMBITIONS. Received July 25, 10.30 pm. Pekifi, July 23. The Foreign Minister (Dr. Yen) states that China does not propose to enter the Far Eastern Conference with the primary intention of bringing up questions involving her relations with individual nations; but she will seek recognition of the general principles applicable to individuals in future Pacific problems. China does not want special privileges, but only a.fair opportunity. and a friendly spirit of give and take will result in the discoven’ of baric Pacific principles, reducing future friction. —Aus.-NJZ. Cable Assn.