THE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1921, Page 5

THE CONFERENCE.

FAR EAST QUESTIONS. the problem of china. an agreement proposed. (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Association.) Received Nov. 23, 8.55 p.m. Washington. Nov. 22. There is some speculation regarding the form which the ultimate agreement in connection with the Far East will take if, and when reached. It is believed Senator Root favors asking the Powers to sign a definite undertaking, bat possibly a new diplomatie document may be invented in order to satisfy the United States' susceptibilities towards treaties. Maybe more than one agreement will be made, but opinion is crystallising that the main understanding wiU be quadruple —Britain, the United States, Japan and China. It Is not thought likely that the other nations now at the conference will be asked to jd!n in the understanding, as their in-l terests are not so affected. The British view of Senator Root’s resolutions regards them as eousolidating under one head the arrangements and provisions already contained in the various treaties now existing between China and the different Powers who are parties to such resolutions, which would thus become joint and several, instead of as before, several only. Tt is indicated that one of the main obstacles in the way of an agreemnt regarding Shantung is the railway. Japan is willing to evacuate the province, including Kiaochow. provided their Tsintau Tsinan railway is jointly operated. The Chinese do not approve. Japan also stipulates that Kiauchau be an open putv China to make adequate arrangements to carry on trade. It is hinted again that the whole matter will be removed from the sphere of the conference and made the subject of private arrangements between China and Japan The appointment of to-day’s subcommittee in regard to China’s revenue conditions emphasises the full committee’s conviction that something must be done to rehabilitate and reorganise customs. The five per cent, ad valorem condition was imposed at a time when things were entirely different. Great changes have taken place, and the indications are that the duty must be revised in an upward direction to enable China to meet her financial obligations and inaugurate reforms as promised. The Australian Press Association understands that a quick report has been ■ailed for in order to clear the ground, t is pointed out in official circles that he Root resolutions go beyond anyhmg in the shape of treaties and agr<eaents.