CHINA UPSET.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1921, Page 5

CHINA UPSET.

■WASHINGTON INCIDENT. DELEGATES RESIGN. / ~ DICTATION RESENTED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Washington, Dec. 7. The representative of the Australian Press Association says that, following the example of the Secretary-General, the three chief Chinese advisers announced their resignation to-day. American opinion in official circles is that the resignations are a blunder of considerable magnitude. Even the Chinese themselves are divided, one view deprecating the action as premature, another approving and counselling a more determined attitude of insistence on the Shangtung railroad dispute being adjusted first, instead of the minor differences which are now being given attention. That section disappointed with the achievement of the Conference frankly say that the delegations decided just how Far Eastern matters should be settled and China would be forced to take what was given her and would not be allowed to change the tariff or treaties. Most things in dispute are left to a commission •to study and report.

Commenting on the Chinese resignations an American spokesman said it was an extraordinary thing that China should think she was unfairly treated. Nothing in the whole Conference was more completely sympathetic than the attitude towards China. He is unable to conceive a better atmosphere and conditions for the matters in dispute than at present. If China was afraid she will not get her grievances before the Conference that was not so, but the question was what might happen afterwards. Here were eight nations’ signatories to a certain treaty. Could it be expected that China’s viewpoint would be accepted by them all in an equal degree ? .China’s greatest opportunity was the place she occupied at present, enabling her to negotiate directly with Japan. The fullest opportunity existed to reach a result. M. Harihari to-day indicated that Japanese anxiety to effect a settlement of the Shantung question might induce them to go further in the matter of concessions than the last offer of joint control of the railway, which was the real bone of contention. He was assured that Japan’s mind was open on the question. China’s spokesman hinted to-day that if they did not get. satisfactory terms regarding Shantung they might consider withdrawal from the Conference. It is officially reported that the Chinese and Japanese delegates discussed the question of the restoration to China of public properties in the territory of Kiaochow. The discussion was adjourned. Telegrams are pouring in upon the Chinese delegation denouncing the method of conversations with Japan. There are indications that the question of leased territories will be referred to a committee.