WASHINGTON SIDELIGHTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17956, 5 December 1921, Page 7

WASHINGTON SIDELIGHTS.

DELEGATES AND PRESS. CHINO-JAPANESE CONTRAST. LOQUACITY AND SILENCE. By Telegraph-Exesa Association-Copyright. .(Received 11.30 p.m.) A. and N.Z. WASHINGTON, Deo. 2. Press arrangements at the Washington Conference have now settled down in a regular routine. In so far as the daily meetings of tho various delegations are concerned, borrowing a theatrical simile, the British representatives are always sure of a good house. Mr. Balfour being the Melba of the company, his meetings with the press are always crowded! It is thoroughly enjoyable to watch his urbane and gracefifl fencing of awkward questions and the way he expands a subject of minor importance. Lord Riddell, who in acting as liaison officer, is also highly popular with the Americans, who delight in trying to score off him, which is extremely difficult, the odds being that he turns the trick on them. Mr. G. F. Pearce is also appreciated, his direct way, exposition, and thorough frankness all winning praises. Of the Americans, Mr. C. E. Hughes is forceful and direct. 'His audience stand in a semi-circle and fire question after question at him. He answers them all, even if only to say that he cannot say anything on that subject. Usually, too, there is some humour present, the Secretary of State managing to make witticisms occasionally at the expense of a too importunate pressman. The President, Mr. W. G. Harding, holds meetings twice a. week, standing at his desk in White House in tho ' same way as Mr. Hughon, The President spealcs slowly and quietly with a curious sidovrays swing of the head. With him questions are not confined to the conference. The matters discussal range throughout American ]x>litics.' Among the other delegates undoubtedly the most popular is Admiral Kato. Though speaking no English, and employing an interpreter, he understands everything that is said and manifestly enjoys his half-hour on the grid. Nothing is ever not from him that he does not desire to give out. There is some dose fencing sometimes and a good dual of laughter as Admiral Kato extricates himself from a tight corner with a diplomatic non-pos-Ruraus. The Chinese delegates all speak perfect English, some having been trained at American universities. Thoy jare fully aware.of American psychology, but their meetings usually are very serious affairs. They are deeply intent on their country's future and never miss an opportunity for propaganda, quite contrary to the Japanese, who seldom make any protestations of fact. A clever French correspondent summed up the situation the other day when he said that tha two main dangers to the conference were the silence of the Japan.se and the loquacity of the Chinese. The Italians hold daily meetings, chiefly remarkable for the fact that they have nothing to say, which they do at great length and with much ingenuity. Their part at the conference so far has not been important. They are not concerned yet with the naval ratio, and nothing in Far Eastern affairs touches them, so they confine themselves to assurances of Italian cooperation in all that concerns the peace of the world. The French hold very few meetings. They are chiefly remarkable for throwing monkey wrenches into the machinery of the conference, as they did with their claim for a navy equal to that of Japan. The Dutch have held one meeting, and the Belgians nond. Reverting to the attitudes of the Chinese and Japanese toward the press, it is interesting to note that according to the report of the first day's conversations Admiral Kato pointed'out that the very title "Shantung Question" which China used to describe the matter was a misnomer, as tho pointi! awaiting adjustment relate to only one-half per cent, of the province of Shantung, while a careful examination of the correspondence exchanged between Japan and China shows that the differences are more apparent than real PRAISE FOR PRESIDENT. GREAT WORK FOR PEACE. A. and N.Z. WASHINGTON, Deo. 2. Mr. Harding to-day was offered warm compliments by the press at the way in which he is dealing, with the conference. It was said that if nothing else was the outcome, the press had succeeded in es tablishing a state of mind throughout .the land, which was the finest reflex of the feelings of the Republic, and would have a profound effect on the peace of the world.