THE FAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1922, Page 5

THE FAR EAST.

CHINA AND JAPAN. DIFFERENCES CONTINUE. VARIETY OF PROBLEMS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 15, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 13. Pending the Shantung matter the next few days at the conference will be devoted to informal discussions on Far Eastern matters, so as to be ready for the resumption of activities when the Shantung problem is settled. Mr. Balfour and Mr. Hughes to-day expressed themselves almost laentically as very hopeful of such a settlement without a long delay. The differences dividing the parties are now so narrow in their limits that it is inconceivable that a method will not be found for reconciliation. It is officially reported that the Chinese and Japanese discussed the German leased territory in Kiaoehow and foreign trade, and an agreement was reached. Outstanding matters for consideration now are Siberia and. the twenty-one demands. Regarding the former the British attitude on the question is entirely at one with the United States. No comment will be made till Mr. Hughes brings it up; it has not been discussed .hitherto. The latter subject is reqeiv* ing attention by Chinophiles, many questions being asked. The British take the same stand as in the case of Siberia.

Mr. Wang (China) to-day declared that China had not discussed the possibility of Japan refusing to have the subject brought up. He hoped China would be given a chance to meet the Japanese objections. Japanese refusal would have a tremendous effect on China and re-stir up all the old animosity towards Japan. High circles said to-day that the Shantung railway question would be settled to the satisfaction of China in a few days. Following the expected refusal of the Far Eastern Committee to consider treaties growing out of the twenty-one demands, Japan intends not to leave the Conference without settling its differences with China. —Special to Australian Press Assn.

THE SHANTUNG PROBLEM.

JAPAN’S INSTRUCTIONS. CHINESE OPPOSING GROUPS. Received Jan. 14. 5.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 1. It has developed to-day that the Japanese received instructions from Tokio to proceed with the negotiations and make the best possible arrangements regarding Shantung, but the delegation are keeping in touch and acquainting themselves with the mind of the Cabinet, informing the latter of all t)ie developments. The Chinese delegation, on the other hand, are said to be receiving instructions from two different sources in Peking. sometimes conflicting. It is rumored here that a group within the Chinese delegation itself is opposed to any settlement of the Shantung problem. This group contends that, if the matter is settled, China will lose the biggest and almost only point in which she has hitherto claimed United States sympathy against the machinations of Japan. Shantung has been made a big moral issue, and is, always sure to attract the notice of the American people. If it is settled, China must make good all her protestations regarding her ability to rule herself, without sheltering behind Shantung. JAPAN NOT YIELDING. Received Jan. 15, 5.5 p.m. Tokio, Jan. 14. The Foreign Office has issued a statement that Japan'has not yielded in any way, nor made any concessions in the Shantung negotiations.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Ass.