AMERICA AND ALLIANCES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16625, 6 January 1922, Page 7

AMERICA AND ALLIANCES.

CLAUSE IN NAVAL TREATY. RAISES MUGH~DISGUSSED POINT, From Special Representative Australian Press Association. (Received January 6, 9.40 a.m.) WASHINGTON, January 5. The tenderness of certain schools of American politics on the subject of entangling Alliances i 3 exemplified again to-day in comment on a perfectly obvious provision in the Naval Treaty dealing with the situation arising if a signatory Power becomes involved in war with a non-signatory Power. Commentators profess to see in it another subtle attempt on the part of European statesmen to drag the United States into Old Wor'ld politics. All sorts of dismal prognastications are made as to the result. It is possible that all that the provision will do will be to allow the Power attacked to retire from the Treaty and take such measures as may be necessary for her defence. NO MORE CONCESSIONS. JAPAN AND SHANTUNG. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 6, 9.40 a.m.) TOKIO, January 5. It is announced that Cabinet has decided that Japan shall not j’ield anj r additional ground in the Shantung controversy with China. Any attempt to resume negotiations with China will be made at Pekin, and not at Washington. THE SUBMARINE DEADLOCK. (Received January 6, 9.40 a.m.) TOKIO, January 5. Cabinet has decided that Japan will maintain her iiosition that disagreement over submarine tonnage at Washington in no way affects the decisions reached regarding capital ship tonnage. CHINA CONCILIATORY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Reuter’s Telegrams. WASHINGTON, January 5. There was some indication to-day that China- is preparing to meet Japan’s Shantung suggestions with regard to the modified form of Japanese supervision over the railway line. British and American circles are still confident that a settlement will be reached. The Chinese quarters are somewhat optimistic that their wishes are likely to be realised. Some delegates frankly say that ( they feel that America’s hands are tied so far as supporting their claims is concerned because they wish the conference to succeed and are not desirous of creatine any embarrassing situation by antagonising Japan. They

admit that China has already secured many benefits from the conference, but insist that many vexatious problems still remain.