REORGANISING CHINA.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 280, 24 November 1921, Page 5

REORGANISING CHINA.

ASSISTANCE FROM POWERS

CUSTOMS AND FINANCE. THE SHANTUNG RAILWAY. (By Cable.-Press Association. —Copyright.) WASHINGTON, November 23. An official communique issued by the secretariat of the Washington Conference states that the Far Eastern Committee to-day discussed limitations of China's administrative autonomy, particularly with reference to her revenue. It was decided to appoint a sub-commit-toe consisting of representatives of each of the nine Powers to examine facts and to state conclusions to the full committee. The appointment of this sub-com-mittee, states thf special representative of the Australian and Xew Zealand Press Association, emphasises the conviction of the full committee that something must be done to rehabilitate and reorganise the Chinese customs. The 5 per cent ad valorem condition was imposed at a time when things were entirely different. Great changes have taken place, and the indications are that the duty will be revised in an upward direction to enable China to meet her financial obligations and to inaugurate reforms as promised. The Australian and New Zealand Press Association understands that a quick report has been called for in order to clear the ground. It is pointed out in official circles that the resolutions of the Far Eastern Committee, which were announced yesterday, fro beyond anything in the shape of treaties and agreements now operating. The British view regards the resolutions as consolidating under one head arrangements and provisions already contained in various treaties now existing between China and the different Powers which pro parties to the resolutions, which thus become joint and several, instead of as before several only. It is indicated that one of the main obstacles in the way of an agreement regarding Shantung is the railway. Japan is willing to evacuate the province, including Kiao C'hau, provided that the Tsingtao-Tsinan railway is jointly operated, but the Chinese do not approve of this. Japan also stipulates that Kiao Chau be an open port. China to make adequate arrangements to carry on trade with all nations. It is hinted again that the whole matter may be removed from the sphere of the conference and made subject to private arrangements between China and Japan. Some interesting points become manifest to-day regarding Japan's attitude toward China. It was admitted by Admiral Kato that he considered Manchuria as part of China. He came to the conference prepared with all the details required for a discussion of the matter, but he refused to comment on the question of Mongolia. It is under--1 stood elsewhere, however, that Japan regards China as having it at least under her suzerainty, with some administrative control, japan will make no claim there. It is admitted that the question is a delicate one. There is some speculation regarding Hio form that an ultimate agreement in the Far Ea-st will take, if and when one is reached. It is believed that Mr. Klihu Root favours asking the Powers to sign n definite undertaking, but possibly a new diplomatic document may be invented in order to satisfy the susceptibilities of the United States re- , frardinc treaties. It is possible that more than one agreement may ne made, but opinion is crystallising that the main understanding will be quadrupled between Britain, the United States. Japan, and China. It is not thought likely that other nations now at the conference will be asked to join in an understanding as their interests are not much affected.— (A. and N.Z. Special.)