AT WASHINGTON

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1921, Page 5

AT WASHINGTON

THIS WEEK’S BUSINESS, FAR EASTERN PROBLEMS. DISARMAMENT SCHEME, SUPPORTED BY POWERS. The resumption of the Washington Conference yesterday was expected to be marked by the tabling of proposals to deal with problems of the Far East. It is significant that there is a strong feeling in the United States that the abrogation of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty is essential to peace in the Far East. The principles of the limitation of armament proposals are regarded as acceptable to Britain and Japan. Modifications and amendments are suggested, but it is considered the scheme should form a broad basis for settlement. Britain's reply will be delayed, as it will require the approval of Parliament. In the meantime it is suggested that the conference should be divided into three committees to deal with: (I) Disarmament; (2) Far Eastern problems, and (3) Pacific questions. PROPOSED PROCEDURE. THREE DOMINATING QUESTIONS. COMMITTEES TO DISCUSS THEM. MODIFIED DISARMAMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 15, 8.15 p.m. Washington, Nov. 14 Feeling is growing in some quarters that Mr. C. E. Hughes (head of the United States’ delegation) intends to Lay the United States’ plan for the settlement of Far Eastern problems before the Conference to-morrow, immediately thereafter constituting three committees to deal with disarmament and Far Easem and Pacific questions, the two latter being interlocking, delegates being invited to serve on one or the other, according as matters affecting the special interests of their countries are reviewed. When other questions come to be considered it is understood Italy and Belgium both intend to bring up the question of Government control of raw materials. The former has special refer ence to B.A.W.R.A. wool, which has af fected them adversely.

A suggested modification of Mr. Hughes’ plan seems to be growing. Japan will follow the British lead in acceptance of the principles, but is expected to press for a re-adjustment of the ratio towards strengthening her naval position. It is understood the members of the British delegation are not unanimous on the question of replacement being spread over ten years; at least two members are likely to urge e complete naval holiday for that period. Then, the American viewpoint is changing, technical experts considering more tonnage in older vessels should be scrapped rather than new vessels. Meantime Mr. E. Denby (Secretary of the Navy) announced to-day that the Navy Department will continue building until an agreement has been reached. The feeling is growing that the problem of the German debt and reparations must be considered when economic questions are reached. Representative Germans are already arriving at Washington. CANADA’S VIEWPOINT. Received Nov. 15, 10.30 p.m. Washington, Nov. 14. Sir Robert Borden (Canada) has handed to the British delegation a memorandum explaining the Canadian viewpoint in connection with Mr. C. E. Hughes’ proposals. STEEL STOCKS FALL. INFLUENCE OF THE PROPOSALS. Received Nov. 15. 10.30 , p.m. New York. Nov. 14. Steel stocks, as a result of the armament proposal**, are losing heavily on the Stock Exchange. The Bethlehem Steel Company, one of the largest producers of armour in the world, has los/ nearly five points, while other stocks, including the United States Steel Corporation, Jost from one to two points. AMERICAN COMMENTS. Washington, Nov. 14. It is significant that the two best known French journalists “Pertinax” and “Lausanne” agree that Mr. Hughes’ proposals sound the death-knell of the Anglo-Japanese alliance. “Lausanne” says the pact will be liquidated by readjusting the balance of sea power, and “Pertinax” asserts that Britain, in return for somewhat more favorable terms on account of her special position, will surrender every idea of maintaining the alliance. “Pert ins t” asserts that henceforth it may be regarded as a firmly established* new vital principle that British policv will be checked in any attempt at bringing about a change in the territorial status quo in Far Eastern waters.

Other comments in this connection revive the idea of a tripartite understanding and suggest that. Japan will not consent to be discriminated against. Her replv to any suggestion of withdrawal from spheres of influence will be a counter proposal that all the Powers should follow suit.