THE FAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1921, Page 5

THE FAR EAST.

PROBLEMS OF CHINA. A DENIAL OF FRICTION. SOME INVOLVED TASKS. (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Assn.) Received Nov. 27, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Nov. 25. It is semi-officially stated that there is no friction between Britain and China. The suggestion that China may withdraw from the Conference is declared to be absurd. China does not object to a consortium if it. is limited to international co-operation without economic control or interference. It is understood in official quarters that no subject will be barred out from the conference' if China wishes discussion thereon. In connection with the question of the tariff autonomy of China, the provincial military and civil Governors agree to abolish the likin. At the same time Chinese business men are determined to secure the abolition of the likin as soon as China is at liberty to increase the tariff rates, the Ministry of Finance making due preparations to carry this into effect.

Dr. Chung Hu Wang has issued a statement to the Far Eastern Committee regarding extra territoriality, objecting thereto, because it is a derogation of China’s sovereign rights, and is regarded as Chinese national humiliation. Other disadvantages were the multiplicity of codes of law and the rights of foreigners, who claimed immunity from local taxes. It was inexpedient for China to Open the entire territory to foreign trade and commerce. It is pointed out that several legal codes of modern application were promulgated during recent years, and others were in course of preparation. China did not ask for the immediate and complete abolition of the extra territoriality, but. invited the Powers to relinquish their rights at the end of a definite period, and proposes the appointment of representatives to negotiate with China the adoption of a plan of progressive modification and the ultimate abolition of extra territoriality.

Minister Sze, in a statement, urged the abolition of foreign post office services, on the ground that China’s own postal system was proving increasingly efficient. The maintenance of foreign post offices was a violation of territorial and administrative integrity without treaty rights, and moreover the offices were being located in centres of population and would take the cream of the business.