THE FAR EAST

Otago Witness, Issue 3525, 4 October 1921, Page 19

THE FAR EAST

JAPAN AND CHINA. PEKIN, September 26. It is understood that China’s reply to Japan regarding the Shantung proposals, while declining to enter into negotiations under Japan’s terms, will contain counterproposals which, if accepted, may serve a-s a basis for negotiations. It is thought that the principal feature of the counterproposals will be the consignment of the Kiaochau-Tsinan railway and the mining districts to a Consortium and the creation of a Tsingtaoan international settlement tinder Chinese control, the Customs to be administered similar to that in other open ports.It is understood in official circles that the Chinese Cabinet has approved of a Note rejecting Japan’s Shantung proposals. EVACUATION DEMANDED. TOKIO, September 26. Delegates from the Far Eastern Republic are conferring with the Jap aiiese representatives, insisting that Japan shall fix a definite date for the withdrawal of troops from Siberia. The Japanese, however, contend that while Japan is disposed to evacuate Eastern Siberia, she does not desire to make her withdrawal conditional upon a treaty with the Ear Eastern Republic. ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE. WASHINGTON, September 26. There is a widespread belief among dbservers of international affairs that the Anglo-Japanese Alliance will not be continued after the Disarmament Conference, at which it is expected general agreements will be reached to supersede all other existent special arrangements. This belief is based on sentiment in foreign capitals, especially in the British dominions. BIG ADDITION TO JAPANESE FLEET. TOKIO, September 27. During the next 60 days a large number of Japanese war craft will be launched. The destroyer Warabi and the supply ship Tourumi will be launched this week, and the destroyer Sumire, the light cruiser Isuzu, the gunboat Nako-so, the seaplane carrier Kosho during October, and the super-Dreadnought Kaga in November. Other vessels nearing completion are the battle cruiser Mutsu, the light cruiser Ohi Sara, and three other first-class destroyers, and nine submarines. GOOD ADVICE FOR JAPAN. NEW YORK, October 1. One of the most conservative American newspapers prints a striking editorial, entitled “Japan’s Path To Honour,” wherein it strongly condemns Japan’s present method of acquiring lands for expansion, suggesting that she should purchase Manchurian, Central Asian, and African territory. with the consent of the present inhabitants, and comparing Japanese militarism and autocracy to Germany’s. It is suggested that Japan’s yearly naval fund of 600,0QG,000d0l should be used to lmv the necessary lands, and that the adoption of a rule of justice and right dealing in her international policy should be worth more to Japan than navy building at such a tremendous cost.