PACIFIC PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1921, Page 5

PACIFIC PROBLEM.

A TRIPARTITE TREATY.

AMERICA TO JOIN. ABROGATING ALLIANCE. It is reported from Washington that a treaty between Britain, the United States and Japan will be the outcome of the agreement by the Powers on Far Eastern affairs, the treaty aiming at “the peace and tranquility of the Far East”. The report lacks official confirmation, but it comes from two different sources in Washington. By Telegraph.—Pr<>ss Assn—vopyrlght. Received Dec. 5, 5.5 pan. London, Dec. 4. The Morning Post gives prominence to a telegram from Washington that President Harding has consented to submit to the Senate a tripartite treaty between Britain, the United States and Japan. The treaty will aim at preserving the status quo in the Pacific, and arranging for the peaceful settlement of future differences, the three powers guaranteeing the full sovereignty bf China, and abrogating the Anglo-Japanese treaty. The Morning Post’s Washington correspondent expresses the opinion that the Democratic and Republican leaders will both support such a treaty. REPORT CONFIRMED. MESSAGE FROM WASHINGTON. AIMS OF THE TREATY. Received Dec. 5, 11.5 p.m. Washington, Dec. 4. The Australian Press Association learns that the agreement on Far Eastern affairs will take the form of a definite treaty between Britain, the United States and Japan, consisting of four main provisions, as fol-

(1) Guaranteeing the integrity of China. (2) Agreeing to confer onfall matters affecting the peace and tranquility of rhe Far East.

(3) Undertaking to project jointly the islands of the Pacific should they be attacked by any power. (4) Abrogating the “special agreement known as the Anglo-Japanese Alliance”. The first provision embodies practically the root principles, and covers all general matters except Shantung. Regarding that, if China and Japan fail to come to an agreement in the present conversations, a commission will be appointed to report on the whole question at a future date. The second provision provides for future action, which will have the effect of not allowing any exploitation in the Far East. The third obviates the necessity for any powers further fortifying Pacific bases, while the fourth removes the greatest source of irritation between Britain and the United States. It is believed President Harding has given his consent to the treaty, which is now on the way to London and Tokio for confirmation. Senators Lodge and Underwood, representatives of the two Senate parties, believe it will be accepted, the opposition irreconeilables, such as Senators Borah and Johnston, being offset to adherence by the Democrats. In its present form the treaty leaves out France, but it is understood room is left for that nation’s adherence should she so desire.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE. WILL IT BE SCRAPPED? London, Dec. 4. Nothing is known in official circles here in regard to the decision to scrap the AngloJapanese Alliance.