FAR EASTERN PACT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17957, 6 December 1921, Page 7

FAR EASTERN PACT.

DEFINITE TREATY MOOTED. BRITAIN, AMERICA, JAPAN, JOINT DEFENCE OF PACIFIC. CIRCUMSTANTIAL DETAILS. ATTITUDE OF SENATE.,. ASSURANCE OF SUPPORT. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received 11-30 p.m.) A. and N.Z. WASHINGTON, Dec. 4. The special representative of the Australian and New Zealand Press Association at tho Washington Conference learns that in authoritative quarters a most circumstantial statement has been made that an agreement on Far Eastern | affairs will take the form of a definite I treatv between Britain, the United States and Japan, consisting of four main provisions, tho first guaranteeing tho integrity of China, tho second agreeing to coufer on all matters affecting the peace and tranquility of tho Far East, the third undertaking to protect jointly the islands of the Pacific, should they be attacked by any Power, and the fourth abrogating " the special agreement known as the Anglo-Japanese Alliance." Tho first provision embodies practically the principles enunciated by Mr. Elihu ] Root, and accepted by the Far Eastern Committee, and covers all general matters except Shantung. Regarding Shantung, if Japan and China fail to come to an agreement as a result of the present conversations, a commission will be appointed to report on tho whole question at a future date. The sccond clause provides for future action which will have the cffect of not allowing any exploitation of the Far East. The third provision obviates the necessity of any Power further fortifying Pacific bases. The fourth removes the greatest source of irritation between Britain and the United States. It is believed that Mr. Harding has given his consent to the treaty, which is now 0 n the way to London and Tokio for confirmation. Mr. H. C. Lodge and Mr. 0. W. Underwood, the representatives of the two parties in the Senate, believe that the treaty will be accepted by the Senate, tho opposition of irreconcilables such as Mr. Borah and Mr. Johnston, being offset by the adherence of Democrats. In its present form the treaty leaves out France, but it is understood that room is left for the adherence of France should she so desire. Another treaty with 3. provision that it shall be read jointly on all occasions with the first treaty will embody a naval agree'' ment on the five-five-three ratio, though possibly this may he modified in favour of one instrument covering the whole range of agreements regarding naval matters. It is not thought likely that Britain will gain her point regarding submarines. Probably Mr. Balfour will make a formal protest at the next plenary session, and will record the British view, giving notice that Britain will build to her utmost limit submarine chasers and submarine defences generally, and moreover, will regard submarines as pirates in the event of another naval war. This will place the onus of counting submarines as a naval weapon on the United States, which finds itself in a very delicate position.