NEW TREATIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 January 1922, Page 5

NEW TREATIES.

.WASHINGTON RESULTS. BETTER UNDERSTANDING, GOODWILL OF, JAPAN. By Telegraph.—-Press Assn. —Copyright. ' Received Jan. 5, 8.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 4. At a meeting of the naval committee Sir Auckland Geddes (British Ambassador to America), reviewing the work of the Conference, said it was the most successful international conference ever held. He referred to Japan’s extraordinary goodwill in agreeing to the capital ship ratio, and enumerated all the agreements actually arrived at. In regard to naval matters, Sir Auckland Geddes indicated that among the technical details of the treaty would be provision to prevent nations improving or transforming the present ships under the guise of reconditioning them. He thought the last word in connection with submarines had not been said at this Conference. Decidedly, the discussion thereupon had drawn attention to an increasing body of world opinion.

The substitution of the Four-Power Pact for the Anglo-Japanese Alliance was of immense importance, removing a source of misunderstanding between the United States and Britain. China had got a wonderful lot from the Conference. He thought the end of the Shantung problem was fairly in sight. China was now passing through a difficult transition period from a monarchy to a democracy, and the Powers had formed a nursing ring to prevent her being damaged during that embryonic period. She had a fair first step towards tariff autonomy and other aids in her march towards becoming a nation. Eight Powers had pledged themselves to help China so long as she helps herself. Finally, there had been an enormous improvement in the international atmosphere.—Special to Australian Press Assn.

NAVAL POLICY PROGRESS.

CHINA’S STATEMENTS DOUBTED. Washington, Jan. 4. The naval expert committee has progressed far towards the settlement of the outstanding technical problems. It has agreed upon the standard ton replacement programme .and. the scrapping methods. British quarters do not expect the French to press their views regarding the arming of merchantmen, though it is anticipated some rules will be laid down on this subject. It is believed also that the French, have received instructions to agree to the 10,000 tons limit for cruisers.

The British spokesman to-day declared that the delegation was most sceptical regarding the whole question of China’s statements. and, while they did not affect the Siberian problems as a whole, they were looked upon as within the province of the American delagation to bridge over, and Britain was anxious to see a settlement of Siberian affairs as affecting the general peace of the East.

SHANTUNG PROBLEM.

CONVERSATIONS RESUMED. Received Jan. 5, 8.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 4. The Shantung conversations have been resumed on the initiative of Japan, but it is understood that Mr. McMurray is the go-between, conveying the views of Mr. C. E. Hughes and Mr. A. J. Balfour. Both parties should endeavor to break the deadlock. Admiral Kato (Japan) issued a statement modifying somewhat the denials of Japanese assistance to the White Russians in Siberia in 1918, when German and Austrian prisoners of war joined the Bolshevik forces, necessitating Allied action there. This was done with the full accord of the Allied policy. When the German menace ceased and the Russian generals began to quarrel Japan withdraw her support and decided to observe strict neutrality in Siberia, and thereafter gave no assistance to Semenoff.

Admiral Kato says he is most hopeful that the Root resolutions, with Mr. Balfour's amendment, will be accepted by all the Powers.—Special to Australian Press Assn.

HISTORY OF RAILWAY.

RESULT OF GERMAN ENTERPRISE. Received Jan. 5, 11.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 5. One of the Japanese main contentions at to-day’s inconclusive discussion was that the Shantung railway never belonged to China, and therefore could not be restored to her. The line was built with German capital, and transferred to Japan under the Versailles Treaty, its value being charged against Japan in the reparation account. The Japanese maintain, therefore, that it is right that China should pay for the property in the manner most suitable to Japan’s interests.

QUESTION OF FINANCS.

CASH OR A LOAN. Received Jan. 5, 8.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 4. It is understood Japan to-day offered to transfer the Shantung railway to China on condition that China would agree to a loan as the method of payment for money due from Germany. She wanted a loan of twenty years, with the option of repayment in ten years. China still held out for a cash payment, though the indications are that the delegation will eventually agree to the terms. Official. —The Japanese delegation having received instructions from Tokio on the subject of the Shantung railway, the Chinese-Japanese conversations were resumed this afternoon and adjourned until to-morrow, when the conversations will be continued. —Special to Australian Press Assn.