The Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1921. CONFERENCE PROBLEMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1921. CONFERENCE PROBLEMS.

The ready acceptance of the general principle contained in the proposals of the United States for naval disarmament, indicates that the delegates assembled at "Washington are animated by the spirit of conciliation, and are really desirous of arriving at an agreement on matters that must inevitably have a favorable influence on the peace of the world. Apparently Rhe Conference has tackled the least controversial problem for its initial effort. At any rate, it was both wise and prudent, to commence with a matter whereon accord was not difficult to reach, thereby creating an atmosphere of hope for the successful treatment 6f the more difficult prob-, lems that await a solution. It is argued by the Washington correspondent of the London Daily News that, without a settlement of Far Eastern questions, arpiament reduction would become a mere matter of economic relief, and that the conclusion of a satisfactory Far Eastern agreement will alone create faith in the loyal execution of any disarmament pact. At the same time there appears to exist a feeling that a, successful attempt to deal with the controversial questions relating to the Far East and the Pacific present no insuperable difficulties, though they are the crux of the whole business of the Conference. While much has been said as to the continuance or scrapping of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, it is obviously patent that if the problems are solved in such a way as to render the alliance no longer I desirable, its termination will go a long way towards a healthier relationship with America, for it stated that the greatest difficul-

ty now facing Americans is the manner in which they can approach the question of this alliance. It is understood that Senator Lodge is trying to devise some way of meeting the British view that so long as Japan wants the treaty it must be preserved, also to smooth Japanese . susceptibilities, and it, is to be hoped that the Senator’s .efforts, will be crowned with success. . The way will then be clear for entering upon a discussion of both Far Eastern and Pacific matters with fair prospects of a satisfactory conclusion. Japan has already expressed her views as to the policy she is prepared to adopt relative to China; Manchuria and Siberia. A special committee has these questions under consideration, and tip to a point will, no doubt, be able to make progress, though until China’s policy is ascertained, there will be uncertainty as to the ultimate issue of the discussion. China, however, will, as usual, have to bow to the will of the Powers, who should be able to treat her claims with fairness and justice. The real crucial point is whether the Powers will agree to abandon their spheres of influence principle under What China has, in the past, been the hunting ground of syndicates —a species of earease around which the eagles have gathered. The open door policy has an attractive appearance on paper, but it is a delusion in a practical sense unless accompanied by safeguards against unscrupulous exploitation. One suggestion is for the appointment of an international tribune for settling all questions that may arise. Admirable as such an expedient may seem as a matter of principle, its execution would need the backing of armed as well as moral force. Moreover, it has been pointed out that the open dooi- policy, if adopted, may affect the mandated territories. Needless to -say the units of the British Empire could not possibly be a party to such a solution of the Far East problem in its application to the Pacific. The settlement of the extent of Japan’s safeguards to preserve and protect her interests in Manchuria and Siberia bids fair to prove a hard nut to crack. Peaceful penetration for raw, materials and trade is capable of developing into hostilities, unless hedged about with necessary reservations. At the same time Japan cannot be blamed for seeking avenues of expansion for the support of her rapid-ly-increasing .population, though the ultimate result may mean domination, if not annexation, besides which Japan is face to face with Russia, and tnay have to defend her interests from aggression in that quarter. The complexity of the problem leads to the impression that it will not be easily solved, but this largely depends on the nature of American views, which have yet to be enunciated. At present the outlook is hopeful, and, in view of the initial success of , the Conference, there is room for belief that the Far East and Pacific problems can and will be solved. It. may not be easy to arrive at a satisfactory basis for restricting military forces, but even that vexed question is capable of being adjusted, due regard being, paid to national security. The dominating influence at work is the economic position. That and the war-weariness of the world constitute a powerful incentive to reduce expenditure on armaments, hence success should crown the efforts of the Conference.