NATIONS AGREE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1921, Page 5

NATIONS AGREE.

DISARMING APPROVED, PLAN SATISFIES JAPAN. FRANCE READY TO JOIN, By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Received Nov. 16, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Nev. 15. At the Washington Conference, speaking for the Japanese, Viscount Kato said Japan deeply appreciated the sincerity of purpose evidenced by the United States. The plan satisfied it. It would materially relieve the nations of wasteful expenditure, and could not fail to make for world peace. Japan could not remain unmoved by the high aims which actuated the project, and gladly accepted the proposal in principle- Japan was ready to proceed with the determination to make a sweeping reduction in naval armaments. It would be universally admitted that the nation must be provided with such armaments as were essential tojts security. With this requhement in view, certain modifications wuld be proposed in regard to tonnage and the basis of\ replacement. Japan’s existing plan will show conclusively that she had never in view preparations for an offensive war. Signor Schanzer expressed, in the name of the Italian delegation, great satisfaction with the proposal, which was the first effective step to give the world such relief as will enable it to start to work on its economic reconstruction. Al. Briand said the United States had shown the way to keep promises to the world of no more war. Th ora was no longer any question about gropingMr. Hughes had struck out boldly, and France was at the back of him ready to join the efforts of thorn other men returning to the fair and straight road. He listened with great joy to the very large and broad general adhesion of Britain and Japan. He added: “We hope to have an opportunity of showing that co-operation has already done something in this direction. When the agenda reaches land armaments France does not intend to eschew them and will answer the world’s appeal,” Al. Briand continued: “The last main question to be discussed at the Conference is, will the peoples of the world come to an understanding in order to avoid the atrocities of war? France, after its necessities and the safety of life are adequately secured, habors no thought whatever of disturbing the peace of the world.” He expressed a wish that the Conference would come to a similar agreement *on all questions before it. Air. C. E. Hughes said he had listened with profound emotion to the cordial expressions of agreement in principle with the proposals. The time was now opportune for the consideration of j details,' and we may commit this matter to technical examination with an assurance that the outcome of the Conference will be an appropriate agreement for a satisfactory, important and essential reduction of naval armament, whereby offensive naval warfare will be ended and a great advance made to the accomplishment of enduring peace. (Applause). The Conference then adjourned.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. FEELING IN JAPAN. GRATIFICATION EXPRESSED. A FEW EXCEPTIONS Received. Nov. 16. 5<6 p.m. Tokio, Nov. 15. With few exceptions the Press and publicists are gratified at Mr. Hughes’ proposals in regard to navy reductions. Vice-Admiral Funakoshi, Commandant of the Yokohama Arsenal, eaytf a naval holidav would be a disastrous blow to Japan’, dockyards. The director of the Mitsubishi dockyard, which holds the contracts for new warships, predicts the death-blow to Japan’s steel industry, adding that it is impossible to imagine Japan accepting the proposals as submitted.

The president of the Bankers’ Association says it is a splendid scheme, excepting the temporary blow for the shipbuilding and steel industries, and. will create a general improvement in industrial conditions. Foreign Office authorities state that the proposals closely approximate the instruction given to the Japanese delegates. and form a very fair basis for negotiations.