THE NAVAL TREATY.
ADJUSTING details. ATTITUDE OF FRANCE. NO CHANGE EXPECTED. By Telegraph,—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 15, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 13. Each nation concerned in the Naval Treaty wants to retain some battleships destined for scrapping. The British want them for training purposes, the United States for airplane carriers, Japan for turret practice and France and Italy for gunnery practice. Some points thereon have been referred back for a possible compromise to allow the building of airplane carriers of the same size as the ships now wanted to be retained. It is pointed ou£ that the change in the French Government is unlikely to have any effect on the Washington Conference inasmuch as most of the points under discussion received the approval of the French Parliament, which passed a vote of confidence on M. Briand’s return.
It is understood the treaty will have a map attached defining the area in which the status quo as regards fortifications is to be observed, the international date line being the eastern boundary, the Equator the southern, and the thirtieth parallel the northern boundary. This will eliminate the Aleutian, Hawaiian and midway islands, and will include the Bonin and Oshima Islands, on which Japan has already erected fortifications. The Japanese, however, are willing to abandon operations in view of the fact that both the British and American delegates are in favor of the above boundaries. They are only awaiting confirmation from Tokio.
While the House takes an optimistic view of the Conference position consequent on the French developments the President let it be known that he considers that it will not effect the decision in the slightest degree. It has not slowed down activities and everything is going swimmingly. He was hopeful of success.
The State Department hold the same views and does not consider there will be any change in Freqch attitude, especially seeing that M. Millerand authorised M. Briand to cable M. Sarraut to continue to act as plenipotentiary until the work has been completed. M. Briand took the opportunity to thank M. Sarraut in the warmest terms for the work he had done. Mr. Balfour used the occasion to express the view that the conduct of the delegation could not be in better hands. M. Sarraut did not see any reason to delay in carrying out the work of the Conference.
The naval treaty, ’it was authoritatively stated to-day, has -been revised virtually without radical alteration, though it is still waiting the final approval of the respective Governments on certain points. The delegation here has done all that is possible to consider the treaty.
The British spokesmen to-day said it was doubtful if it was worth while reopening the submarine question at the next plenary sitting and they thought they were unable to add anything to the arguments already published. The question is whether the French will want to defend their position. M. Sarraut, though confirmed as France’s plenipotentiary. prefers to wait further instructions from the new Government before again taking an active part in the Conference. —Special to Aus. Press Assn.
NAVAL TREATY PROGRESSES.
PRESSURE ON CEdNA. Washington, Jan. 12. Although really only the American delegation are anxious that the Siberian question should be considered at the Conference, though possibly only to the length of some declaration in respect to Russia’s rights and territorial and administrative integrity, the situation, so far as Britain is concerned, complicated by the fact that the Republics of Esthonia and Latvia are already recognised by the United States. Following ,Mr. Hanihara’s declaration in regard to the 21 demands, Mr. Wang made a statement to the effect that China was not satisfied at the postponement of action and reiterated the claim that the 1915 treaty was made under duress. The whole matter falls within the category of causes of misunderstanding which the Conference is specifically ‘called on to remove. Mr. Balfour presumed the retirement of M. Briand would not have any effect on the Conference.
The first revision of the Naval Treaty was completed to-day. except for the clause concerning fortifications, which is still awaiting advices from Tokio. The draft now goes to the lawyers for re-casting. It was hintec to-day that the treaty imposes a limit to the number of capital ships to be built for other nations by contracting Powers. The scrapping provisions have been adjusted satisfactorily, but full details are withheld. There is no doubt that strong American’ pressure is being exerted on the Chinese to persuade them to recede from their uncompromising attitude regarding Shantung. Mr. Hughes denied that he sent telegrams, formally or informally, to Pekin, but there seem to be communications passing between the two capitals, probably urging unofficially acceptance of the" compromise proposals. It is evident that the Chinese and Japanese delegations are marking time until their respective Governments reply to the compromise proposals. The whole morning was allegedly spent in discussing the manner wherein the contemplated extensions of the Shantung railway should be carried out. This afternoon was devoted to ar inconclusive discussion regarding the treaty ports province, which was also subject to previous reference to Far Eastern Committee.
The question of extensions of the Shantung railway, Kaomi, Hsuchow. Tsinganfu and Shunteh lines, and the Yan-tai-Weihsie railway, were discussed. An agreement was reached on the question of opening the leased territory at Kiaoehow, and certain cities in Shantung. to international trade.—Special to Australian Press Association.
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Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1922, Page 5
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898THE NAVAL TREATY. Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1922, Page 5
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