DESTINY OF CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1921, Page 5

DESTINY OF CHINA.

ATTITUDE OF, THE POWERS. POLICY OF JAPAN. ANXIETY FOR PEACE. , (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) Received Nov. 20, 11.5 p.m. Washington, Nov. 19. To-day Admiral Kato (Japan) issued a statement to the effect that the Japanese delegation is of opinion that the existing difficulties in regard to China lie no less in the domestic situation than in external relations. He added: “We are anxious to see peace and unity re-established at the earliest possible moment, but we want to avoid all action which might be construed as intervention in China’s external affairs. It seems to us that all the conference can achieve is to adjust China’s foreign relations, leaving the Chinese themselves to work out their domestic situation. The Japanese delegation wishes to assure the Chinese delegation and the whole conference fhat Japan has every desire to cultivate the happiest relations with China. “Japan is solicitious of making whatever contributions she is capable of towards China’s realisation of her just and legitimate aspirations, entirely uninfluenced by any policy of territorial aggrandisement in any part of China. We adhere unconditionally and unreservedly to the principle of the open door £nd equal opportunity, and look to China for the supply of essential raw materials and foodstuffs. Tn purchasing same Japan does not claiin any special rights and privileges, and welcomes fair and honest competition. “Regarding the question of the abolition of extra territoriality, Japan intends to join the other delegations in an endeavor to come to a fair and satisfactory arrangement. Japan comes to the conference not to advance any selfish interests, but to co-operate with all the nations interested for the purpose of ensuring peace in the Far East. The Japanese delegation understands that tke principal object of the conference is to establish common accord of policies and principles, and deprecates undue protraction of the discussions and detailed examination of innumerable minor matters.”

Mr. A. J. Balfour (Britain) pointed out that all the principles, such as the open door and China’s integrity, had been formulated over and over again by Britain. Other delegates spoke in similar terms of sympathetic co-operation-—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

BRITISH ATTITUDE EXPLAINED. A POLICY OF HELP. (Krom the Special Representative of the Australian Press Assn.) Received Nov. 20, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Nov. 18. The British attitude toward the Chinese proposals was elucidated this morning. A high authority explained that the British came to the conference with every desire to do the utmost possible to rehabilitate China and enable it to take ts place among the nations of the world. She was most anxious that China should become a peaceful and stable community, so that Britain and other nations might enjoy the benefits of the vast trade of the country. In that respect British interests were identical with those of other nations, especially America. Any special rights Britain enjoys in China will be dealt with for the general well-being. She does not wish to be selfish. She knows the open door policy is the best method of creating the commercial prosperity of all concerned. Britain’s object regarding China is international co-operation. She wished to see the country developed for the benefit of the Chinese, knowing that this benefits also all other trading nations. Regarding extra territorial rights, he pointed out, that the Anglo-Chinese Treaty of 1902, article 12. specially provided for these to cease when the Chinese administration of justice ensures just treatment of British nationals. This attitude is in line with the French statement, and is twenty years old. China must be free to carry out her own destinies. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CHINESE VIEWS. ON JAPAN’S STATEMENT. (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Assn.) Received Nov. 21, 12.30 a.m. Washington, Nov. 19. Chinese circles to-night expressed themselves rather favorably towards the Japanese statement, though they see trouble regarding the distinction between foreign and domestic matters. This, coupled with the Japanese desire that the conference shall not discuss matters of detail, creates a feeling in the Chinese mind that Japan may want to take a hand in putting China on her feet. , On the other hand the Japanese say Admiral Kato’s statement is fair and unselfish and has harmonised the particular interests of China with the S en ' erab interests of the world. CHINA’S PROPOSALS. APPROVED BY AMERICA. Washington. Nov. 17. it is believed the United States is in general accord with the Chinese proposals, and may have been consulted before thev were presented. TJie. fact that Mr. Hughes, in opening the session of the Far Eastern Committee, referred first of all to China’s position, lends color to the assumption. Mr. Hughes also indicated that America whole-heartedly supports the op A n door, placating Japan by pointing out that when the door was opened, as” she was on the threshold, she would be the first to enter and profit by he new arrangement. Such comment as has been made in Japanese quarters on the Chinese proposals indicates Japan’s agreement therewith on general principle. In many aspects they accord with the summary of Japan’s views cabled on Tuesday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.