POWERS IN CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1922, Page 5

POWERS IN CHINA.

OPEN DOOR POLICY: PROPOSALS WELCOMED. DEBATING DETAILS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 19, 8.40 p.m. . Washington, Jan. 18. Apparently' l>oth China and Japan welcome Mr. C. E. Hughes' resolutions regarding the open door policy in China, the former because they indicate a way in which the delegates may save their face and recede from their demands in connection with the Shantung and other questions to be considered at the Conference, and the latter because it affords an opportunity for defending her position if attacked. Some Japanese observers point out that the declaration is a victory for Japan, inasmuch as the establishment thereof gives her, because of her propinquity, the best chance in all the Chinese markets.

Well-informed Japanese quarters declare that there is nothing serious in the way of a complete understanding in regard to Pacific fortifications. It is known that instructions have been re/feived from Tokio which, however, it is said, need further clarification, though it is more likely Japan is delaying actual acquiescence till she is surer how events in respect to Shantung and the open door are shaping. Further overnight consideration of article four of Mr. Hughes* resolutions has shown such difficulties and dangers that the Far Eastern Committee, after a brief discussion, decided to shelve it, giving power to any nation to bring it up later. Thereupon the first three articles were adopted unanimously. China, voting with the other Powers, though it is understood she intends to reframe the fourth article and submit a new one before the end of the week.

The United States spokesman, explaining the situation, argued that all requirements of the open door policy, as held by the United States, had been met by the first three articles. He thought too much had been made of the last, whereas the real value lay in the first, which laid down most clearly the United States’ standpoint, and in the third, which provided the most efficient machinery attending the wishes of the Powers.

After the open door resolutions had been adopted, the Japanese submitted a statement calling on China to take steps to throw the country open to the development of her natural resources. The Chinese delegation pointed out that Mr. Sze had already met the position by a declaration during the early days of the Conference. The matter was left for later consideration.

The railways of China was the next subject on the agenda, particularly the Eastern Railway, which is surrounded by many difficulties, being a Russo-Chin, ese enterprise, and thus necessrrating Allied superyision during and after the

A technical committee was appointed to report to the Conference. Sir Auckland Gedde- (British Ambassador to America), submitted a resolution calling on China to preserve her railway administration free -from any discriminatory practices. —Special to Australian Press Assn.