NAVAL AGREEMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1921, Page 5

NAVAL AGREEMENT.

A DECISION LIKELY. THE PACIFIC PACT. MAY BE A TREATY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dee. 8, 11.35 p.m Washington, Dec. 8. President Harding’s statement at a Red Cross meeting to-day—“l know or what I speak, we are going to succeed beyond our fondest hopes”—is the first unqualified declaration as to the success of the Conference coming from any high American source. It is thought to be inspired by the favorable news coming from Tokio. The declaration was followed almost immediately by a conference with Mr. C. ®. Hughes. It is known that the telegraphs and cables have been very busy with official business to-night, and it would not be surprising if it was learned that the Japanese Government has acquiesce 1 in the terms of the naval agreement. Already there is every indication, based on the closest canvass of the situation and despite official reticence. that a definite understanding has been reached between Britain, the United States and Japan, which will take the form of a treaty in regard to naval matters, and perhaps also Far Eastern affairs. American circles maintain silence as to the exact form of the agreement and its issues. It is more than likely

that France will be included in these treaties or agreements. American opinion seems to be crystallising thereto, inasmuch as a tripartite arrangement would range two old friends, Britain and Japan, against the United States, whereas France would be expected to side with the latter in the event of differences of opinion. It is hinted Japan objects to France’s inclusion, because of “ttoq many cooks,” and also because Frazee might import quarrels of Europe into AFFAIRS. AVOIDING DIFFICULTIES. Received Dec. 8, 10.30 p.m. Washington, Dec. 7. Referring to. the question of the arrangement of F’acific affairs the British spokesman to-d.ay indicated that the three or four Flowers involved would most likely malre some arrangement., whereby mutual discussion would be possible with a view to avoiding difficulties. This confirms the statement cabled regarding t he provisions of the •treaty which will be made between Britain, the United Spates and Japan, and about which there | is still considerable surmise. Indications to-daV are that the fortifications of the Pacimc are regarded from

the viewpoint of A their geographical position, Hawaii and\ Guam being obviously in different categories. So far as the Pacific is China will not be included with the signatories, though possibly reference to her position will be made in the treaty arrangements. Mr. Hanchaw., reviewing to-day's conversations, said he did ne t see any reason why China and Japkn should not agree. There w T ere no serious difficulties presenting themselves so far. It is understood the thorny question of the Shantung railway comes ,up for discussion on Saturday. It wafe indicated to-day that the Far Eastern questions which are left unsettled might be continued in Pekin or Tokio if substantial agreements were not reached here. FEELING IN AMERICA. ATTITUDE OF THE SENATE. Washington, Dec. 6. The representative of the Australian Press Association says that most of the newspapers to-day discuss the announcement that the Pacific and naval agreement may be reduced to treaty form by a subcommittee in the Senate. The question of the attitude that body may assume becomes of paramount importance. Senator Borah, who claims that he forced the naval limitation programme on the administration, indicates he will support a treaty based on the naval agreements, also a Far Eastern treaty, it rests on public opinion, but he will resist if it suggests, explicitly or by implication, the use of force. Senator Borah expressed tlje opinion that the Anglo-Japanese treaty is none of the United States’ business. He sees no harm in the leading Powers considering a plan permitting China to negotiate treaties directly with each nation claiming special privileges. Any general treaty would naturally include Britain and Japan, whose interests in the Orient are the greatest of any of the Powers.