THE FAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1921, Page 5

THE FAR EAST.

PROBLEM OF SHANTUNG. HITCH AT WASHINGTON. HOPES OF AGREEMENT, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 22, 8.45 p.m. Washington, Dec. 21. Further curiosity lias been evinced respecting the interpretation in the Four Power Treaty of all queries having domestic and political significance. It transpired, however, that no collateral agreements whatever have been made, and also that the members of all the delegations thoroughly understood what the words of the treaty meant. The American delegates, in particular, are quite clear and unanimous. The Shantung railway question perhaps had the most attention to-day. but otherwise it was a dull day. Mr. C. E. Hughes said his impression regarding the hitch was that it was not very serious. M. Hanihara (Japan) felt certain that some satisfactory form of settlement would be found, because not only China and Japan, but the whole world wanted such. The Japanese explained that they had not made recommendations to Tokio. They outstepped their instructions and were compelled to refer the whole question to their Government and await a fresh set, leaving them to decide.

The Japanese insist that while they have gone very far in their concessions China will not budge, but the latter aver they gave Japan the option of alternative methods of selling the line, which Japan was not prepared to accept. It seems definite that Japan wants to retain an interest in the railway as long as possible, because of their trade in the Shantung province and their money invested there. Therefore they ask for a loan. The agreement is of the same character as other agreements made with China in raising money for railways from other Powers. —Special to Aus. Pre«s Assn.

NEW CABINET IN CHINA. Received Dec. 22, 11.30 p.m. Pekin. Dec. 21. -Liang Shihyi has been named Premier of the Chinese Cabinet, succeeding ChinYun Peng, whose Ministry resigned on Sunday.