DISARMAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3523, 20 September 1921, Page 18

DISARMAMENT.

IVAS 11 IN GTON CONFERENCE. TOKIO, September 12. Some evidence of the stirring up of Japanese resentment respecting Ear Eastern questions as the result of the proposed conference can be seen by the Nichi Niehi’s announcement that the army leaders approve of the abatement of the 21 demands on China provided Japan is permitted to purchase rights in Port Arthur and Southern Manchuria. The newspaper adds that Japan will offer this programme to the conference, even expressing her willingness to withdraw her troops from Northern and Central China provided that China will open the interior for foreign trade. The withdrawal from Siberia will be assured after a Russo-Japanese commercial treaty 3 has been secured. Japan will offer to reduce her army to 21 divisions. 1 >UP.I.ICITV FACILITIES. WASHINGTON. September 13. A Council of 14 Washington correspondents has been formed to advise and assist the Government officials in arranging publicity facilities regarding the Disarmament Conference. They will consult shortly with Mr Hughes (Secretary of State) and President Harding concerning the allotment of press space, and the housing, entertainment, and credentials of visiting 1 correspondents.

SUGGESTED TOPICS. WASHINGTON, September 14. Mr Hughes (Secretary of State) has submitted to tile Powers suggested topics which should be embodied in the agenda at the Disarmament Conference. It is understood that the topics include the territorial integrity of Russia, the open door, and equal opportunity there; a formal guarantee of the open door and equal opportunity and the territorial integrity of China; consideration of the cond’tion of China, with intent to lielu the country to re-establish itself on a sound basis; insular possessions; Pacific fortifications; United Slates immigration and cables. LORD NORTHCLIFFE’S VIEWS. MELBOURNE, September 16. Lord Northcliffe, speaking at the Journalists’ Association’s reception, urged that it was essential that publicity be given to the proceedings of the Washington Con ference. He hoped that the Australasian newspapers would be able to obtain the information necessary to follow proceedings so momentous to Australasia. If he were an Australian or a New Zealander he would be a little uncertain of the future, for he was sure that uiile* 3 '-’ the conference was an absolute success this ; might not be the land of freedo;-, plenty that it was to-day. lie referred to journalism as a very high profession. He had twice refused Cabinet rank ir order to preserve his independence in that profession. MELBOURNE, September 17. Lord Northcliffe, interviewed, stated that he never said that Mr Hughes should go to Washington, as it would be incompatible with the dignity of a Prime Minister to go as an unaccredited representative, which he would have to be in view of the decision of the United States that the British overseas nations cannot be specially represented. Lord Northcliffe said he intended to see that his press delegation should be representative of overseas opinion, and to that end he had appointed Mr Franklin Peterson, of the Argus staff, to go to Washington and advise the editor of The Times on the position of Australasia, Lord Northcliffe has sailed to Tasmania on a flying visit.