DEFINITE PROGRESS

Evening Star, Issue 19612, 19 July 1927, Page 6

DEFINITE PROGRESS

NAVAL LIMITATION CONFERENCE ANGLO-JAPAKESE ACCORD Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. GENEVA, July 18. (Received July 19, at 11.10 a.m.) Tho week-end Anglo-Japaneso discussions resulted in such definite progress that all tho three headquarters admit to-day that tho conference is nearer a tripartite agreement than it over has been.

Tho heads of the three delegations left Geneva this morning, and had a secret conclave at a private residence in the environs, returning at lunch time, when tho Americans issued a communique nrm-committally announcing that tho attempts mado since the plenary session to bridge the AngjoJapauese difference “ had progressed sufficiently to warrant a fir her examination of tho matter of details.” Tho British interpretation of the position goes a good deal further, hinting at Anglo-Japancee accord in principle and handed over to the Americans as un fait accompli. It is understood that the Americans asked for twenty-four hours before stating whether they could accept this as a basis for the proposed treaty. Tho British delegates arc most confident that, though America may raise objections on minor points, she is likely to approve of the main provisions, and if she does the success will bo due to the perseverance of British diplomacy. Following on last week’s plenary session, Mr Bridgeman and Lord Cecil have evolved a compromise of the previous propositions, Inch will bo the basis of tho agreement.