COUNCIL OF NATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 December 1921, Page 5

COUNCIL OF NATIONS.

THE ARMAMENT PROBLEM. 1 AN AGREEMENT LIKELY. JAPAN’S VIEW STATED. (From the Special Representative of the Australian Press Assn.) Received Dec. 6, 11.5 p.m. Dec. 5. Admiral Kato (Japan), wearing the full uniform of an admiral, made a special statement to the Press to-day, saying:— "The question of the limitation of armaments involves issues which will have a far-reaching effect on the national and international life of Japan and the policies of the great Powers for decades, possibly permanently. These issues should be brought to the full knowledge and consideration of the Japanese Government before definite action is taken, but unfortunately there is serious delay in the cables. Naturally 1 am in consultation with Tokio, but matters cannot be completed in too short a time.”

He was firmly convinced that the conference would be able to agree on plans for an adjustment which would be fair to all parties, and which would incalculably benefit the nations concerned and the whole world. No effort was being spared by him or his colleagues to bring the various questions to the earliest possible conclusion, consistent with wisdom and foresight. He denied that Japan was playing a bargaining game and he was sure none at the conference thought so. “It is contrary to fact,” he declared. He regretted that such unworthy motives were linked in the popular mind with honest endeavors for the betterment of people and mankind. The fact that the question of the form which the agreements will take is now exercising commentators indicates how much progress has been made towards finality of the major problems. Despite an apparent standstill which the conference has reached much is going on behind doors in committees and by inform '! -discussions. It is likely announcements when made will come in a rush. The European, delegations are coming to the conclusion that China is not likely to win complete economic and territorial freedom at this conference. The view taken is that a country now in a state of violent transition cannot hope to achieve all her aims until she is able to show the world her power to administer her own affairs without detriment to foreign interests. It is undoubted that the Chinese delegation is feeling disappointed at the results they have achieved so far. though they profess puldicly their satisfaction. American administrative quarters speak appreciatively of the present lull. They said matters had been going almost too fast, and it was good for a pause to take stock. We must remember that the men thinking for nations should not be under pressure or flustered with the feeling that things must be done by a given time. Great policies are being settled which would continue for long periods. It was impossible to make history and articles for the newspapers at the same time. Furthermore, it was useful to allow the people with different points of view time to consider the position and see where approaches to each other’s viewpoint could be made.

Italian semi official opinion was expressed to-day that in the event of the consortium being continued Italy is willing and anxious to participate in anything making for the better financial and economic condition of China. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE SUBMARINE QUESTION. FRANCE AND CHINA. Washington, Dec. 5. The special correspondent o-f the Australian Press Association says that the Navy Department stands solidly against the abolition of the submarine as a naval weapon, but, on the other haitfd, there is a strong body of public opinion in the country totally opposed to the submarine. As Mr. Balfour said the other day the British view may not succeed, but will be sure to meet with a great deal of sympathy.

M. Viviani states that France’s offer to the Far Eastern committee to give up Kwangchouwang entailed three conditions; first, that all the Powers should act unanimously; second, that France was able to arrange terms of restitution with China; and third, that China undertake not to cede the restored leasehold to another Power.