POLICY IN CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1922, Page 5

POLICY IN CHINA.

OPEN DOOR PRINCIPLE, IMPORTANT PROPOSALS. CONCESSIONS TO POWERS. ROAD TO AGREEMENT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyrigtt. Received Jan. 18, 9.15 p.m. Washington, Jan. 17. The whole of to-day’s meeting of the -ar Eastern Committee was devoted to consideration of resolutions in connec:ion with the open door policy in China, proposed by Mr. C. E. Hughes (America). Both the British and United States delegations regard this matter as being of immense importance. Though not adopted no one objected to the principle, but only to the details, ind it is confidently expected the resolutions will be passed to-morrow. The British spokesman described them as covering a wide field, dealing with the much debated matter contained under the heading of Shantung and the twenty-one demands. It would be found the principles would cover much of the specific cases thereunder when applied and therefore while these two matters cannot be discussed at the conference as such a solution will be arrived at largely by the application of the geni ral principles which the Nine Power Treaty will enact, including the open door and other resolutions. A British suggestion that a board of reference be appointed representative of the nine Powers to investigate any infringements of the open door policy was incorporated in Mr. Jlughes’ resolutions. SOMETHING DONE. The. French delegation were most active critics of the resolutions, wanting alterations ensuring no interference with the existing concessions. The Japanese fully concurred in principle, but asked for more time to examine the text. As the United States spokesman said, “the conference has been trying to do something in regard to the open door and feel they have done something valuable.” Mr. Hughes made most earnest efforts in support of the resolutions. As he himself phrased it, he felt they had brought the open door policy from a motto to a fact. He met all the objections of the committee with complete statements. Referring to tha proposal for a national board of reference, which, while not authorising a board to decide or empowering functions in derogation of the sovereignty or freedom of any State, provided a method, of examination in the efforts of adjustment. It was futile to consider any coercive arrangement. This depended on the good faith of Governments and the power of public opinion when the facts were widely published by tlie board. He reiterated, however, that such an enquiry bound no one. THE RESOLUTIONS.

Following is the text of the resolu tions:—

“(1) With a view to apply more effectually the principles of the open door, or equality of opportunity, in China for the trade and industry of all nations, the Powers other than China repr=s;nted at this conference, agree: (a) Not to seek the support of nationals seeking arrangements which might purport to establish or favor their interests and general superiority of rights in respect of commercial or economic developments in any designated region of China; (b) not to seek the support of nations seeking any such monopoly or preference as would deprive other nations of the right of undertaking legitimate trade and industry in China, or participating with the Chinese Government or any provincial Government in any category of public enterprise, or which by reason of the scope, duration and geographical extent calculated to frustrate a particular application of the principle of equal opportunity. It is understood thia agreement shall not be construed as to prohibit the acquisition of such properties and rights as may be necessary to conduct particular commercial. industrial and financial undertakings, or the encouragement of invention and research. ■“(2) The Chinese Government takes note about the agreement and declares its intention of being guided by the same principles in dealing with applications for economic rights and privileges from Governments and nationals of all foreign countries, whether parties to the agreement or not. “(3) The Powers, including China, represented at the Conference agree in principle to the establishment of a board of reference in China, to which any question arising from the agreement declaration may be referred for investigation and report. A detailed scheme of constitution will be framed at a special conference appointed under the tariff resolutions.

A DEBATABLE ARTICLE. «(4) The Powers, including China, agree that, any provisions of an existing concession which appears inconsistent with those of another concession.

or with the principles of the agreement declaration, may be submitted by the parties concerned to the board of reference when established for the purpose of endeavoring to arrive at a satisfactory adjustment on equitable terms.’’ The discussion on the resolutions will centre on article four. The first three met general approval and may be considered adopted. While Britain signified her acceptance of the whole series •France voiced several objections to the last article, principally on account of its retroactive character. M. Sarraut pointed out that the general revision of all existing contracts was in no way justified, while retroactivity might result in already existing concessions, some of long standing, being attacked before the proposed board. Mr. Hughes admitted the force of M. Sarraut’s arguments and agreed that article four might ne amended to make its meaning absolutely clear in limited cases where a concession appeared inconsistent with the principles of the agreement relating to the open door policy. The Chinese delegation has received cables from Liang Shihyi denying that he acted over their heads and dealt directly with Japan on the question ot Shantung. He explained he was trying to effect financial arrangements for making over the line and attempting to get definite pledges in support of the Yap cable agreement, which is held up tin Italv is satisfied respecting assurances of equitable treatment in regard to exGerman Atlantic cables, which she claims she ought to have—Special to Austra-