THE CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 February 1922, Page 5

THE CONFERENCE.

FIFTH PLENARY SESSION. CHINESE MATTERS. , SHANTUNG PROBLEM SETTLED. By Tele.rraDfa.—PrcM Assn CoDytiffhL Washington, Feb. 1. The fifth plenary session of the Conference opened with the adoption of resolutions affecting China, providing for the abolition of foreign post offices, appointment of a council to pave the way for the removal of foreign troops, and prohibition of special privileges -to any Power or discrimination regarding railways.

Mr. Hughes then announced a settlement of the Shantung controversy, reading a written Japo-Chinese agreement under which Japan returns the Shantung railway, Kaiochow, and various properties, and agrees to remove troops as soon as the Chinese are able to take over, which must be within months. For the railway China pays 5,350,000 gold marks, plus improvement charges, payment to be spread over a period of 15 years, but with redemption privilege in five years. Mr. Shidehara and Mr. Sze thanked Mr. Hughes and Mr. Balfour for their services in leading to a settlement. The Conference adopted the resolutions hoping that China will reduce her internal military forces,, and favoring the publication of secret treaties.

Mr. Balfour announced that, as the result of the Shantung settlement, Britain will return Wei-he-wai to China.

In introducing the nava) treaty, Mr. Hughes declared that while there ore certain changes of detail, the plan America proposed has been preserved, as has the spirit in which the proposals were made.

Mr. Hughes declared that this treaty absolutely ended the race in competitive naval armaments.

M. Sarrant, addressing himself directly to the Amerieafi nation, appealed to the world not to believe chat France had hindered work on the naval treaty.

The Conference formally adoptad the naval treaty and the submarines and poison gas treaty. Mr. Root, in, a speech, described the latter as a treaty which stigmatises the doing to death of women and children, and answering the charges that rules may be violated under stress of war. He pointed out that the power of public opinion will punish such with terrible consequences. The Conference then adjourned, having been in session 210 minutes.

The Far Eastern Committee meets to-day, and possibly will consider the 21 demands concerning Siberia, which are the only important remaining subjects.