IT WASHINGTON.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1922, Page 5

IT WASHINGTON.

CONFERENCE ENDING. THE FINAL PROBLEMS. A BETTER FEELING. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Washington, Dec. 31. Yesterday’s proceedings seem to have cleared up the Anglo-French discord, at any rate for the present. Frankness and compliments alike helped to end the misunderstanding. •

M. Sarrant announced satisfaction with the present situation. It is known that he felt most keenly the attacks levelled against France from all sides, and even notified Paris that his position was becoming intolerable.

At the same time the indications are that France will not agree to sign the Root resolutions with Mr. Balfour’s amendment without further exposition of France’s attitude and perhaps coun-

ter-proposals. There are increasing signa of an early finish of the conference, and all the delegations are making plans for departure.

A QUIET DAY. SETTLING MINOR QUESTIONS. Received Jan. 3. 8.5 p.m. Washington, .lan. 3. Though to-day was a close holiday there were many informal meetings in connection with Conference matters, the naval experts particularly making progress on the questions of replacement, scrapping and Far Eastern subjects, which are likely to occupy the •attention of the Conference during the coming week. The Conference are doing all they consider can be done in view of the present conditions in regard to China, but there is no sign of stability Similarly, in connection with Siberian questions, which are not expected to occupy the Conference long. The delegations will probably be content with a declaration of guarantee in respect to territorial and administrative integrity. It is understood the Japanese delegation is willing to give such a pledge and support the policies of the open door and equal opportunity. General Sarraut (France) wrote in strong terms to Mr. C. E. Hughes today, describing China’s representatives’ documents as a gross fabrication and an illegal and malicious action.—Special Aus. Press Assn.

AIRPLANE CARRIERS. Washington, Jan. 2. The naval committee yesterday afternoon reached an agreement regarding airplane carriers. The United States and Britain will each get five vessels with a total tonnage of 135.000 tons. Japan three, totalling 81,000 tons, and France rfnd Italy ea*h three totalling 60,000 tons, the two latter being smaller owing to France’s desire to have two for the home coasts and one for the colonies. With naval questions practically out of the wav. interest is reviving in Far Eastern’ affairs, which have been at a