WORLD’S PEACE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18424, 9 December 1921, Page 5

WORLD’S PEACE

ARMS CONEERENpE. PACIPIC AND NAVAL AGREEMENTS. FAR EASTERN PROBLEMS. SHANTUNG AND EAIO-CSAU QUESTIONS. Preoa Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON, December 6. Most of the newspapers to-day discuss the announcement that Pacific and naval agreements may be reduced to treaty form by a sub-committee in the Senate. The question of the attitude which that body may assume becomes of paramount importance. Senator Borah, who claims that he forced the naval, limitation programme on the Administration, indicates that he will support a treaty based on, naval agreements, also a Ear Eastern treaty, if it rests on public opinion; but he will resist it if it suggests, explicitly or by implication, the use of force. Senator Borah expresses the opinion that the AngloJapaneae Treaty is not the business of the United States. He sees no harm in the leading Powers considering a plan to permit China to negotiate treaties directly with each nation, claiming that the special privileges of any general treaty would naturally include Great Britain and Japan, whose interests in the Orient are the greatest of any of the Powers. Commenting on the Chinese resignations from the conference, the American spokesman said it was an extraordinary thing that China should think that she was unfairly treated. Nothing was clearer during the' whole conference than a completely sympathetic attitude , towards China. He was unable to t conceive a better atmosphere for the matters in dispute than that which existed at present. If China was afraid that she would not get her grievances before the conference, that was not so; but the question was what might happen afterwards here, where eight nations were signatories to a certain treaty. Could it be expected that China’s viewpoint would be accepted by them all in equal degree? China’s Greatest opportunity was the place which she occupied at present enabling her to negotiate directly with Japan. The fullest opportunity existed to reach a result. Mr Manihara to-dav indicated that the Japanese anxiety to effect a settlement of the Shantung question might induce them to go further in the matter of concessions than the last offer of joint control of the railway, which was the real bone of contention. He asserted that Japan’s mind was open on the question. , China’s spokesman hinted to-day that if he did not get satisfactory terms regarding Shantung he might consider withdrawal from the conference. 1 It is officially reported that the Chinese and Japanese delegates discussed the question of restoration to China of the' public properties in the territory of Kiao-chau. The discussion was adjourned.—A. and N.Z. Cable. CHINESE RADIO STATIONS. WASHINGTON, December 8. (Received Dec. 8, at 9.45 p.m.) The Official Drafting Committee reported to the Far Eastern Committee today regarding the radio stations in China, and recommended that all radio stations in China, wherever maintained, be limited to dealing with, Government messages, and shall not deal with commercial, personal, or unofficial messages, unless other communications are interrupted, when they may afford temporary facilities. Any radio station maintained without the consent of the Chinese Government shall be handed over to China upon fair and full compensation, as soon as the Ministry of Communications is prepared to operate effectively. Any questions regarding stations in leased territories are to be regarded as matters for discussion between China and the Governments concerned. A common arrangement regarding wave lengths is to be arrived at in order to avoid interference. The report was unanimously adopted after M. Yiviani had suggested that steps be taken towards the regulation of competition in wireless telegraphy in China.—A. and N-Z. Cable.' PACIFIC PROBLEMS. (Feom the Special Representative op the Australian Press Association.) WASHINGTON, December 7. (Received Dec. 8, at 10.30 p.m.) Referring to the question of the arrangement of Pacific affairs, the British spokesman to-day indicated that three or four Powers involved would most likely make some arrangement by which mutual discussion would be passible with a view to avoiding difficulties. This confirms the statement cabled regarding the provisions of the treaty which will bo made between Britain, the United States, and Japan, about* which there is still considerable surmise. The indications to-day are that the fortifications of the Pacific' are regarded from the viewpoint of the geographical position. Hawaii and Guam being obviously in different categories. So far as the Pacific is concerned China will not be included with the signatories, though possibly reference to her position will be made in the treaty arrangements. CHINA AND JAPAN. Mr Hanihara, reviewing to-day’s conversations, said he did not' see any rea-, son why China and Janan should not agree. ' There were no serious difficulties presenting themselves so far. It is understood that the thorny question of the Shantung railway will come up for discussion on Saturday. It was indicated to-day Wat the Far Eastern questions which wefe left unsettled might be continued in Peking or Tokio if a substantial agreement were not reached here. CHINESE DISSENSION DENIED General Sze denied the rumours regarding dissension among the Chinese delegates. He suggested that the resignation of the advisers was because they were not wanted here any longer than the military naval officers, who were not likely to be concerned in this conference. TSINGTAQ. ' Official: The Chinese and Japanese today discussed the question of the restitution to China of the public properties at Tsingtao. Substantial progress has been made. The discussion will be continued to-morrow. —A. and N.Z. Cable.