The Daily News. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1921. THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1921. THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE.

Now that the heads of the busi-, ness connected with the conference of nations at Washington on the questions of armaments, the Pacific and the Far East have been agreed to, it is possible to form some idea as to the scope of what may prove to be an epochmaking gathering. As anticipated, the agenda has been divided into two parts, one dealing with matters relating to armame its, and the other with China, Siberia and the mandated islands in the Pacific. What 00111*88 the conference will take as to whether p .-t one or part two shall take precedence in the discussion, or whether certain features of both shall be dealt with tentatively at the same time, will doubtless be the subject of a preliminary exchange of views, inasmuch as they are so interdependent as to almost defy separation. It will be no easy task to arrive at an agreement on general principles, although the way thereto has in some measure been prepared by the informal discussions and pronouncements of some of the parties more immediately concerned. In dealing with the basis of limitation of naval armament, the possibility of arriving at any satisfactory conclusion entirely depends on whether the right perspective of the actual obligations of each Naval Power is taken. On this point there is ample scope for diversity of opinion. Both Japan and America have little. else than their' own coasts to protect, while Britain has a wideflung Empire that extends over all points of the compass, Australia alone having a coast-line nearly three times as long as that of America, which is only vulnerable from seas on two sides- The authorities of the United States will know there is no necessity to consider for a single moment the possibility of the American Navy being needed to safeguard either the American coasts or trade from inroads by Britain. The only disturbing factor is Japan, and it is in connection with this factor that need for shaping the future policy as regards the Pacific and the Far East becomes increasingly evident. The crux of the whole question is to be found in provision for Japanese expansion in population and trade. If the Japanese are shut out from America, Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the Pacific and Atlantic littoral, where are they to find a resting place for their surplus population? In considering the questions relating to China, Siberia and the Far East generally this question of a Japanese outlet may very properly form the subject of an agreement that would be the means of solving the problem, though ithe chances of 'such an agreement are small. If there is to be an open door policy, possibly Japan will be satisfied, but it is probable Japan’s idea of that policy will differ materially from those of the other members of the conference. It will be noticed that the field of discussion is extensive, the predominating subjects evidently being those in which American capital and enterprise can find profitable scope. The closer the agenda is studied, the more apparent becomes the conviction that up to a point there may be smooth sailing, but beyond that there are rocks ahead. However, diplomacy may smooth the way, so that we can only hope for the best, though it will be prudent not to expect the conference to result in solving satisfactorily all the problems presented. It is hardly likely much trouble will be experienced over the limitation of land armies, and though the conference may express its views as to the control of new agencies of warfare, resolutions thereon will be of little use, for war is war, and each belligerent is then a law unto itself in spite of rules and conventions, as experience has proved. The fact that the Dominions have no separate representation is really not of much importance. The British delegates will represent the Empire, and may be trusted to do so in a manner perfectly satisfactory to the units. If the proceedings are open to the Press, they will be followed with;

the greatest interest throughout the world, and may be the means of affecting the future of the League of Nations.