DISARMAMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10964, 28 July 1921, Page 6

DISARMAMENT

COMING CONFERENCE WILL AMERICA AND JAP*AN COME TO TERMS? A PRELIMINARY MEETING. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 27, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. July 26. It was stated unofficially to-day that the prospects of tho disarmament conference aro regarded as hopeful, provided America and Japan adjust their differences happily beforehand. Reuters TeloJhv.m. TOKIO, July 26.

It is understood that Japan’s, formal acceptance of tho conference has been dispatched to Washington. Tho Japanese Naval Department is prepared to draft a suggestion for disarmament based on freedom of tho seas, and the non-fortification of any of tho Pacific islands, including Hawaii and Guam. The Japanese acceptance is based on tho suggestion that a' preliminary conference of the Powers will i be held to prepare an agenda for tho j normal conference. VOICE OF DOMINIONS. (Received Julv 27, 9.10 p.m.) 'OTTAWA, Juily 26. Sir G. E. Foster stated, that the voice of .the British Dominions would be heard at the Washington Conference, if not directly, then through regresentatives selected by the . .Al other 'ountry. PACIFIC PROBLEMS DISCUSSION CONTINUED AT DOWNING STREET. . LONDON, July 26. The discussion on the Pacific problems was continued at Downing street this morning. Lord Curzon, Mr Balfour, Mr Churchill, Mr Montague and Mr Ha.tikev attending, in addition to the 'Dominion representatives. At 6 o’clock In rtho evening another meeting _ was hurriedly called, although most of the delegates were booked for an official dinner at 7 o’clock. The meeting ended at 7 o’clock, and all apparently were well pleased. There was no announcement. Virile the Conference continued dispatch boxes were delivered at the Cahinet rooms. It is understood that official cable message® were being exchanged continually east and west, but the one most sought did not arrive, caufling a deferment of a statement. DOMINION PREMIERS MUCH TO BE DONE IN-A SHORT TIME. LONDON, July 20. The Prime Ministers are preparing to depart. General Smuts haa booked his passage for Friday. Sic Thomas Smartt is accompanying him. Colonel Mentz contemplates a tour of Scotland. General Smuts is prepared to cancel his departure should the Imperial authorities invite him to further assist in the Irish question. Mr Meighen leaves on August 4th, when the business of the Conference is expected to be completed. The naval policy, air service, and wireless scheme are still- to be completed, although all aro requiring only the finishing touches. The discussions on the Pacific question interrupted the continuity of the proceedings, but the. committees are still keeping in touch with the various questions.

Again questioned whether there was a possibility of ham going to Washington, Mr W. M. Hughes said: “I have not the remotest intention. I must go home, in accordance with my promise. It is impossible for me to go to Australia and return to Washington. I might get there before the disarmament question is finalised, but the matter in which Australia is vitally interested would bo w.eil cut of the way by then.” , Apparently there is an impression in some' quarters that. it is proposed to hold a preliminary conference, then the Pacific Conference, and afterwards the disarmament discussion. Three conferences were never contemplated, and the disarmament one is the only meeting approved so far. The purpose of the suggested Pacific gathering, however colled, is to clear the way for the Disarmament Conference, which is impossible of effective result unless tho Eastern questions are settled beforehand.