THE FAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 January 1922, Page 5

THE FAR EAST.

POWERS IN CHINA. SHANTUNG UNSETTLED. DELAYING CONFERENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 22, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 20. China does not altogether favour the suggested board of reference, which it regards as the opening wedge in the international and economic control of China, though in purport Mr. Hughes* railway resolution antidotes this. An unexpected debate was precipitated this afternoon in the Senate as the result of a motion asking what steps are to be taken to solve the problem of Shantung. Senator UndeMvood frankly told the Senate that the matter cannot come before the Conference because the seven Powers engaged therein are signatories to the Versailles Treaty; therefore, China and Japan themselves must reach an agreement. The American delegates are using every effort to that end, and the Shantung conversations are now one of the principal causes of delay in the termination of the Conference. The irreconcilables heckled Senator Lodge, who supported Senator Underwood, and the debate closed on Senator Underwood’s suggestion that the time was inopportune to dislocate the machinery which might affect the world very seriously. Conference sentiment seems to be m favour of Mr. Hughes’ listing resolutions, which were held up to-day owing to technical objections, chieflly forwarded by the Japanese. It is improbable that the list of China’s commitments will be completed in time for consideration before the Conference adjourns, and they will certainly be unable to be revised. The United States delegation contends, however, that once the list is published no Power can make claims under any unlisted. Sir Robert Borden (Canada) vigorously attacked China’s instability at today’s meeting, pointing out that Pekin exercised little authority in comparison with the Tuchuns, but he expressed the hope that China would ultimately become a strong nation. The Far Eastern Committee adopted a resolution urging the disbandment of certain military forces in China after setting out the circumstances. It was resolved that the Conference should express to China its earnest hope that immediate and effective steps may be taken by the Chinese Government to reduce her expenditure on her military forces. China fully concurred. Mr. Hughes’ resolutions were presented, but the draft was subject to criticism regarding technicalities, and consideration was adjourned. —Special to Australian Press Assn.