THE FAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1921, Page 5

THE FAR EAST.

CHINO-JAP QUESTIONS. DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE. SOME PROGRESS MADE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 14, 11.15 p.m. Washington, Dec. 13. The Chinese and Japanese conversations are slowing down. Though M. Hanihara (Japan) to-night said he was still optimistic regarding a satisfactory settlement of the Shantung railway position it seems the Japanese proposal for joint control was met by Chinese counter-proposals to take back the railway with compensation to Japan for moneys spent and the assumption of Ja/anese liability to the original German owners. The Japanese have asked that certain points in this counter-proposal should be further elucidated, and the Chinese say they cannot understand the Japanese requests. The hope is expressed, however, that an agreement will be readied to-morrow. The Chinese and Japanese delegates continued the discussion of the question of the KiaochotoThinin railway and the meeting adjourned. POST OFFICES IN CHINA. END OF FOREIGN AGENCIES. AN AGREEMENT REACHED. Received Dec. 14, 5.5 pan. Washington, Dec. 12. The Committee on Pacific and Far East matters adopted a resolution on Chinese post offices under which the four Powers having foreign postal agencies agree to their abandonment, subject: Firstly, to an efficient Chinese postal service being maintained, and an assurance given that the Chinese Government do not contemplate a change in the present postal administration as far as the foreign co-director general is concerned; secondly, that the arrangement shall come into force not later than January 1, 1923. Pending complete withdrawal the Powers also undertake to afford China full facilities for customs examination of the mails, except ordinary letters plainly appearing to contain only ordinary written matter.

Senator Lodge read a letter from M. Hanihara (Japan), in which Japan announced that she had no objection to the initiation of the arrangement, but expressed a desire that, as the change cannot fail to affect the Japanese more than other nations, a suitable number of experienced Japanese postal officers should be engaged by China in the interests of efficiency. The Chinese postal administration has issued a statement that China had always handled efficiently all foreign mail, and appreciated the fact that by the withdrawal of foreign post offices the amount would be much increased. She undertakes to handle the same efficiently, making such addition to the personnel and equipment as is required. She will transmit to Europe over the Siberian route when again opened, and hold herself responsible for the railway transportation of mails uninterruptedly-

The committee considered radio stations, which matter was postponed.

Mr. Wang (China) also made a statement that the division, of China into spheres of influence was most unfortunate, the Powers taking the view that these territories were reserved for them exclusively without regard to China’s economic needs. The system was contrary to the policy of equal opportunity, and threatened the political integrity of China. The delegation asked the Powers to disavow all claims to spheres of interest, influence or any special interests within the territory of China. The matter was adjourned. Mr. C. E. Hughes announced that, though outside the proceedings of the Conference, the important matter of Yap and the mandated islands north of the equator had been completely settled. An agreement had been reached, and a convention would be signed by the two Powers shortly. Mr. Hughes then referred to the departure of M. Viviani, who returns to France this week, and expressed appreciation of his collaboration.