THE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1921, Page 5

THE CONFERENCE.

THE SITTINGS RESUMED. GOOD PROGRESS MADE. I SUMMARY OF THE WORK. FRANCE AND HER ARMY. (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) Washington. Nov. 21. It was France’s day at the Conference to-day, and this mornings plenary meeting was awaited with impatience. M. Bria nd (Premier of France), .vho was speaking eloquently and fervently, with a wealth of Gallic gesture, and in tones of a strong emotion, outlined to a deeply impressed audience France’s position in 'Europe the conditions preventing her from following the lead in naval disarmament. He avoided specific figures as to the intentions of the French Government, though it should be pointed out that the limitations of the army will follow automatically on the reduction of the term of service with the colors. In opening proceedings Mr. C. E. Hughes (United States) announced that gratifying progress had been made both regarding disarmament and the Far Eastern question since the last open meeving. The former matter was proceeding favorably on reports from the technical and expert sub-committees. Regarding the Far East most important declarations had been made by the principal Powers concerned, and though he had nothing for the moment to report he waa justified in saying that his expectation of expedition and thoroughness had been more than realised.

The question of land armament remained for consideration. In this the United States had no part. Their traditional policy was that their military eetablisfcmefit should be on the smallest possible basis. To-day. though four million men were mobilised during the war, their army amounted to only 160.000. However, he fully realised the special difficulties facing the existing military force* of Europe, and he understood the apprehenson of the various countries. The conference regarded it as fitting that an opportunity should be afforded to discuss these questions and all the delegates wished that a full explanation of these matters should be presented to the world.

PROBLEMS OF THE EAST' Except for t\e sensational opening day to-day has been the most interesting day of the Conference. After M. Br and’s impassioned oratory, with Mr. Balfour’s cordial undertaking on behalf of Britain that the sacrifice* of the great war would be made again should <he occasion call, and Mr. Hughes’ more causious assurance that the defenders of liberty and justice would never stand in moral isolation, the day merged into one of meetings, explications and expoundings culminating in the evening with the issue of the Far Eastern communique. These resolutions were characterised bv one important member of the British delegation as a long step toward* a common policy. Several others representing different Governments, including Japan, expressed satisfaction The resolutions were unanimously adopted by all the Powers, except, of course, China subscribing thereto Though they do not go beyond general principles capable of various interpreta tions thev lay down conditions which meet to some extent China's ten points Japan's declaration was alike noticeable The memorandum does not refer to

China or define what the word China, as used throughout, connotes. This give»| rise to some speculation that Manchuria will be later subject to bargaining regarding Japan’s claim to special rights therein. It was admitted to-day that negotiations regarding Shantung are going on at Peking between the Governments of China and Japan, but apparently the latter’s delegation would prefer the question to be settled here, pleading that public opinion is more favorable to that course. A representative of China, explaining the split between the North and South Governments. said there were no wide differences in their political principles. The successful issue of the Conference would help to unify Chinft. ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE. Another remarkable feature to-day was the evident anxiety of the British representative* to explain exactly the position of the Empire towards the JapAlliance. There has been a great amount of Press comment latterly, not only American, but also British and European, to the effect that the alliance must be scrapped. Mr. Lloyd George’s speech in the House of Commons on August 17 reviewing the work of the Imperial Conference, and also remarks m the report of the same conference, were read to American pressmen and stress was laid on his fajnous phrase that the British Empire must behave like a gentleman. At the same time it was explained that the British attitude during the last few day* had not shown any special movement. It wa- gr..nted that several clauses of the alliance were obsolescent, the condicalling them forth having ceased, tnt that did not mean that the prm ciple of friendship between Britain and Japan iw obsolescent. That was fresh and strong as ever. The spokesmen were careful to assure interviewer* tnat rt was not a question of tlip alliance be;ng maintained, provided some better way for ensuring common accord reFar Extern questions could be found. ” The Australian Frees Associate, understands that the first rare of the Far Eastern committee will oe a definition of what constitutes China; thi< h»* never been discussed. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. ,