JAPAN’S POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 January 1922, Page 5

JAPAN’S POLICY.

WASHINGTON MATTERS. SETTLEMENT DELAYS. » SHANTUNG PROBLEM. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 12, 9.15 p.m. Washington, Jan. 11. Japan seems to be pursuing the same diplomatic tactics regarding outstanding problems as she did in connection with the Mutsu, where she delayed by legitimate means the consummation. of the Four Power Pact until she was certain the Mutsu would be saved and her position in the Far East secured regarding the status quo. Now she wants to feel practically certain concerning Shantung before finally committing herself to the naval treaty. This is presumably the reason why she is querying the definition of the islands which must not be fortified. The Japanese spokesman assured his hearers to-night that there would be no difficulty in a decision, but Japan desired to settle the question as to what the term Japan proper meant herself and not through an outside Power. He was careful to add that the term had nothing to do with the question of the status quo, which was being dealt with on different lines, instancing- that Japan did not object to the inclusion of the Bonin Oshima island, which really belonged to Japan proper, being included among tne islands which were not to be fortified. The same spokesman indicated that the twenty-one demands would receive short shift when brought before the Conference, saying that ten minutes would dispose of that question so far as Japan was concerned. The- Japanese were disposed to think that China had done well out of the Conference.

The compromise -formula regarding Shantung, suggested informally by Mr. Balfour ahd Mr. Hughes, was sufficiently acceptable to both the Chinese and Japanese delegations that it was translated to the respective Governments for their consideration and approval. The formula will meet some objections both sides have against the plans of the other, and may prove a welcome way out of the present impasse. Official: Pending instructions from their various Governments on the question of Tsingtao—Tsinanfu railroad, the two delegations discussed the withdrawal of Japanese troops along the railway and branches. An agreement in regard to such withdrawal was reached. —Special to Australian Press Assn.

JAPAN’S NEW OFFER. Received Jan. 12, 8.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 11. The Chinese-Japan session lasted all day. Japan is prepared to withdraw her troops from Shantung, irrespective of the ultimate disposal of the iSnantung railway, as soon as China has provided an adequate police force.

Chinese Republicans issued a statement to-night embodying an appeal to the Washington Conference for a hearing, and reiterating their demands thatJapan should withdraw her troops from their territory.