NEAR THE EHD.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1922, Page 5

NEAR THE EHD.

COUNCIL OF NATIONS. THE ANAL SITTING. GOOD WORK DONE. By Telegraph Preu Awn.—Copyright Received Feb. 5, 11.5 pun. Washington, Feb. 4. The plenary session to-day lasted four hours, when the loose ends of the Conference work were gathered up. Nothing more will be done till Monday, which will be devoted to the so-called final plenary session, at which the delegates will ceremoniously sign the various treaties. President Harding will make a farewell address and the delegates will express their estimates o£ the Conference's accomplishment.

The New York Times’ Washington correspondent interviewed Mr. A. J. Balfour, who, with Mr. G. F. Pearce, Sir John Salmond and other delegates took formal leave of President Harding. Mr. Balfour said that unquestionably the meeting at Washington had demonstrated the efficacy of conference methods for the settlement of internatioryd disputes. He added: “The League of Nations could not have done the things this conference has done, and lam a League of Nations man. There are things which must be done apart from the League; there are some things that the, LeTgue could do and which this conference could not have dune.” Mr. Balfour and Mr. Hughes attending, the Chinese and Japanese delegates signed the Shantung settlement this evening. The Japanese gave a dinner to the Chinese and Mr. Hughes and Mr. Balfour were the guests of honor. Mr. Hughes introduced the Nine Power Treaty, embodying various resolutions and the Root principles already adopted towards €3iina. Senator Underwood introduced another Nine Power Treaty, providing for the upward revision of the Chinese tariff. Senator Underwood explained that it was strange the Powers should meddle with the Chinese tariff in view of their declarations in respect to Chinas integrity, etc., but the governmental unheaval in China made this desirable, the Chinese delegates taking the same view.

The Conference then formally approved the supplemental Four Power Pacific Treaty, specifically stating that Japan’s homeland is excluded from the protective provisions of the Pour "Power Pact. Then China’s refusal to accept the validity of the twenty-one demands was read into record, along with the Siberia matter. The Siberia matter included Mr. Hughes’ statement showing the United States’ opposition to the maintenance of Japanese forces in

Siberia. Mr. Balfour and M. Sarraut then spoke, both emphasising the amazing change* in international feeling since the Conference began. Al] now looked with a spirit of disgust on naval armament competition. Mr. Balfour said that while he did not think Far Eastern troubles were ended for ever he believed the greatest step to regularise the relations between China and the Powers had been achieved. The suspicion which poisoned the East had been removed bv the courage, boldness and conception of the United States in calling the Conference. M. Shidehara said Japan believed she had made every concession to Ciina compatible with reason and honor, various other delegates spoke, eulogising the spirit of the Conference. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.