SIDE-TRACKING OF CHINA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17979, 3 January 1922, Page 5

SIDE-TRACKING OF CHINA.

t i « SHANTUNG NEGOTIATIONS. i © J OPF;N DISCUSSION WANTED. ' CONVERSATIONS FAILING. f By Telejraph—Press Aieocutloa—Copyrisbt 9 (Received 5.30 p.m.) j A. and N.Z. WASHINGTON, Jan.. 1. i The Chinese delegates, evidently con- - templating failure of the Shantung nego- > tiations, announced to-day that they inr tended to bring before the full conference, 3 despite the knov/ledge that it wae un- - welcome Jiere, their position. They state 1 that they made a final and definite offer f to Japan, who has to accept or reject it. - So far they have not heard either way. - The Chinese Government's instructions 3 are v-jry definite, and if they do not - receive a communication from the 5 Japanese delegation by Sunday, the matter must be considered closed. Mr. Hanibara reiterated to-night the Japanese contention that neither Shantung ' nor the 21 demands are proper subjects for discussion at the conference, which is in agreement with that view. According to present indications the question of Chinese tariff autonomy will be relegated to a commission so that China's three main demands will not be settled unless by direct negotiations between the two ( nations. j It is understood that American advisers have acceptcd that view and have so advised the Chinese delegation, but the ' '.atter are determined to have the matters 0 br.uqht before the full conference for the 3 purpjoe of putting Japan's attitude on re- " ] cord. Tie Chinese theory is that Japan ' i came to Washington resigned to make con--3 ! cessions ill regard to Shantung, and no- ' where else. Therefore Japan is delaying r the Shantung negotiations to avoid being ' called upon to make further concessions owing to the approaching termination of 3 1 the conference. j i The attitude of France is regarded as a , | stumbling block to the settlement of the ' j Chinese tariff question. Japan has conI sented to raising tho rate, but the French decline to agree so far as their IndoChinese frontier is concerned. Chinese organisations hero are vigorously attacking Japan, and have cabled to Peking demanding a trade boycott of all j Japanese goods, and accusing Japan of j blocking the way in every direction to the accomplishment of China s aspirations. CHOICE BEFORE JAPAN. IMPERIALISM OR PEACE. FRANCE'S EVIL EXAMPLE. (Received 5.5 p.m.) TimMi LONDON, Dec. SO. Tho Times correspondent at Washington writes: "Upon France will now fall the blame for any development that may diminish the achievement of the conference. Japan may feel secure in hardening her heart against a liberal policy for China, without which an amicable settlement in the Pacific is impossible. " A Japanese writer, early in the conference, eaid that Japan had lost a golden opportunity to assume leadership in Far Eastern affairs. She has made concessions, but these have lacked any air of a free and generous remuneration. If she holds out for safeguards in Manchu.ia and Shantung it will be imperialism in disguise. Such a course would, in the opinion of every American I have talked with, gravely prejudice the chances of the ratification of the Pacific Treaty. " The conference and the affairs of the world have reached a point of crucial importance. France, for all practical pu>r- ■ poses, will stand aside, for she has de- - cided that the time has not come to act J in the 6pirit which the conference de- , mands. It remains to be seen whether , Japanese statesmen will rise to the level 1 of their opportunity, or whether the force ■ of an unfortunate examp'e will incline i them to finish the work Fiance has bei gun."

t ; JAPAN'S NEW YEAR. J PEACE PROSPECT WELCOMED. (Received 5.30 p.m.) l Reuter. TOEB.O, Deo. 30. ' Admiral Ide, Vice Minister and acting head of the Japanese Navy Department, in in a New Year message to the Japanese people says: "1922 brings greater assurance to the world that peace and the welfare of mankind are ideals toward which the destinies of nations are directed. While the Washington agreement is unique and unprecedented, yet it may not prove an absolute guarantee of lasting peace, but it cannot fail to mark the opening of an epoch of international relationship. Japan gladly associates herself with it in sincere appreciation of the progress made toward the removal of all causes cf hostilities and in the hope that it may ultimately lead to the cessation of all war. " The agreement necessitates certain changes and adjustments in Japan's naval plans which the authorities are now preparing. The Japanese people may rest assured that no effort will be spared to determine how, under the new plans, the preservation and development of the Navy , and the supreme tarfk of ensuring the safety and well-being of tie Empire may be accomplished."