CHINA’S FUTURE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 January 1922, Page 5

CHINA’S FUTURE.

THE OPEN DOOR. QUESTION OF COMMITMENTS. FULL PUBLICATION URGED. By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyright. Washington, Jan. 20. Sir Auckland Gedde*?, moving the resolution in relation to discrimination in the railways of China, explained that the British were ’animated by a desire to make the open door effective. He pointed out that the proposed board of reference was the most satisfactory body to deal with any claims or appeals. Mr. Sze declared there had never be6n a complaint by any shipper of unfair discrimination.

Mr. Shidehara accepted the resolution, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Wellington Koo stated that it was desirable that the international commitments of China should be known. He pointed out that Article 18 of the League of Nations provided for registration of all international engagements. which otherwise would be invalid. China was ready to publish these. The ultimate object of having all Chinese commitments listed is to secure examination of these claims by some international board if time does not permit at this conference. An interesting problem arises as to whether Japan will consent to this treatment of treaties growing out of the 21 demands, which hitherto she has refused to have discussed. There are many hundreds of such commitments, ranging from forma’ treaties to nebulous verbal promises, and it is obviously impossible to bring all up for discussion. - The British spokesman did not think it likely that the British treaty in re-< gard to Tibet would be listed. He did not consider Tibet part of China, except on paper. He recalled the fact that the Tibetans had expelled the last batch of Chinese officials.

The British spokesman to-night denied assertions that the delegation proposed the elimination of Article 4, which they were still ready support. Its withdrawal was merely suggested in order to facilitate business after the Japanese had registered, an objection. . The Italians declared they were ready to vote for the article. These statements are encouraging the Chinese inclination to bring up the subject in another form. It is thought that to-day s determination regarding listing Chinese commitments may alter their minds. The Priamur delegation revealed alleged secret documents stating that Japan financed a revolution against the Priamur Government in October last. The Far ’Easter, i delegation discredit the story, and furthermore declare that Priamur will not last long when the Japanese troops are removed from Siberia. Evidently there is no love lost between the two delegations. Mr. Hughes emphasised that the lowers at the Conference should know all any of them had to say in respect to their rights. Disclosures would not affects the actual rights adversely. On the contrary they would tend to support every legitimate claim. Sir Auckland Geddes said the British were fully prepared to publish all commitments. , Mr. Shidehara assumed that the list required only agreements whereto foreign Governments were parties, not obligations between individuals and firms. Mr. Hughes confirmed this, and the discussion adjourned.—Special to Australian Press Assn.