THE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1921, Page 5

THE CONFERENCE.

A LEAGUE OF POWERS. THE PROPOSAL OPPOSED, JAPAN’S NAVAL POLICY, (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Aeen.) Received Nov. 28, 8.15 p m. Washington, Nov. 27. Senator Borah made a statement today opposing President Harding's plan for an association of nations. He did not see much difference between it and the League of Nations; in fact, the League was more preferab.e, because it had a covenant, whereas the association had no covenant, and the nations did not know what would happen to them thereunder. Ho indicated his conviction that the proposal must come before the Senate, when it would be subjected to the same criticism and opposition as wrecked the League of Nations. M. Viviani (France) expressed himself in cordial endorsement of the plan, which he thinks doe® not conflict with the League, while enabling the United States to come into the councils of nations of the worm.

Though the question of the “C” mandate islands has not yet officially been dealt with there are indications that a certain amount of interest is being taken. In the Press and commercial eirdes articles are being written and information sought at various Pre«s conferences specially relating to the control of foreign shipping at the mandated islands.

The new Japanese Government is inxious to impress public opinion. It is making a hard fight in regard to the battleship Mutsu, in which Admiral Kato is acting more as a “go-between” than taking the initiative. It seems to be the general belief that the submarine rules will be laid down regarding its use for purely military and defensive purposes. The special representative of the United Service at the Washington Conference says that hard work and committee activities are replacing the more spectacular demonstrations. The steady achievements of the conference are being maintained, irrespective of the sporadic efforts of mischiefmakers to disseminate propaganda. ’Hie tone of the principal papers is a philosophical acceptance of the reaction after enthusiasm, and they are urging adherence to fundamental and the adjustment of minor details. The New York World alone lays emphasis on the isolation of the United States, repeating the old slogan, “We have nothing to do with Europe.”

The representative adds: ‘T have learned on high authority that President Harding’s association of nations scheme with a periodic conference is regarded in Britain as more or less an American domestic question, pending a definite scheme, though Britain is anxious to participate in any movement tending to forward the peace of the world.’’ FOCH ON FRENCH DISARMAMENT. (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Assn.) Ottawa, Nov. 26. Marshal Foch, speaking at St. Paul’s, declared that France was ready to disarm on land and sea when adequately guaran;eed of her national safety.