WORK OF CONFERENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16625, 6 January 1922, Page 2

WORK OF CONFERENCE.

PKUUHE9S KtYItWEU, BRITISH SATISFACTION, By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. From Special Representative Australian Press Association. WASHINGTON, January 4. At a meeting of the Naval Committee Sir Auckland Geddes, reviewing the work of the conference, said it was tho most successful international conference ever held. He referred to Japan’s extraordinary goodwill in agreeing to the capital ship ratio and enumerated all tho agreements actually arrived at* in regard to naval matters. Sir Auckland Geddes indicated that among the technical details of the treaty would be a provision to prevent ai a hi ions improving /and transforming present ships under guise of reconditioning. He thought the last word in connection with submarines had not been said at this conference. "Decidedly the discussion thereupon had drawn attention to the increasing body of world opinion. Tho substitution of the Four Power pact for the 1 Anglo-Japanese alliance was of immense importance, removing a source of misunderstanding between United States and Britain. China had got a wonderful lot from tho conference. Ho thought the end of the Shantung problem was fairly ip sight. China was now passing through a difficult transition period, from a monarchy to a democracy. The Powers had formed a nursing ring to prevent her being damaged during that embryonic period. She had a fair first step towards tariff autonomy and other aids in her march towards becoming a nation. Fight Powers had pledged themselves to help China so long as she helps herself. There finally had been an enormous improvement in the international atmosphere. SUBMARINE WARFARE. FRANCE ASKS QUESTIONS. From Special Representative Australian Press Association. WASHINGTON, January 4. Admiral Kat-o says he is most hopeful that the Root resolutions, with Mr Balfour’s amendment, will be accepted by all the Powers to-morrow. While accepting the principle of the Root resolution, with Mr Balfour’s amendment, Franco has asked: —(1) What is a merchantman ? (2) Does it mean that submarines cannot be used for the purpose of blockade? The French point out that blockade is a legitimate means of warfare. The blockading nation has the right to sink any ship attempting to pass the line. As France is placing the greatest reliance on submarines, it is not fair that she should be restricted in their use-. A CONCESSION TO FRANCE. WASHINGTON, January 4. It is understood that France has been conceded the right, Tinder the naval agreement, to build three ships before the termination of the naval holiday, on condition that they are not. put into commission till the end of the period. SHANTUNG* PROBLEM STILT. UNSOLVED. From Special Representative Australian Press Association. WASHINGTON, January 4. The Shantung conversations have been resumed on the initiative of Japan, but it is understood that Mr M’Murray was the go-between, conveying the views of Mr Hughes and Mr Balfour that both parties Bhould endeavour to break the deadlock. Admiral Kato issued a statement modifying somewhat denials of Japanese assistance to the AVhite Russians in Siberia in 1918, when German and Austrian prisoners of war joined the Bolshevik forces, necessitating Allied action there. This was done in full accord with Allied policy. When the German menace ceased R.ussian generals began to quarrel, Japan withdrew her support and decided to observe strict neutrality in Siberia thereafter and gav© no assistance to General SemenofF. OFFER BY JAPAN. WASHINGTON. January 4. It is understood that Japan to-day offered to transfer the Shantung railway to China oil condition that China agreed to a. loan as the method of payment to Japan for money due. Germany wanted a loan for twenty years with option of repayment in ten years. China still held out for a cash payment, though tho indications are that the delegation will eventually agree to the terms. Official—The Japanese delegation, having received instructions from Tokio on the subject of tho Shantung railway, Chinese and Japanese conversations were resumed this afternoon, and adjourned until to-morrow, when tho conversations will be continued. J APAN’S CONTENT lON. WASHINGTON, January 4. One of this Japanese main contention*

at to-day’s inconclusive discussion was that the Shantung railway never belonged to China, therefore could not be restored to her. The lino was built with German capital, transferred to Japan under the Versailles Treaty, and tho value charged against Japan’s reparation account. The Japanese maintain, therefore, that it is right that China should pay for the property in the manner most suitable to Japan’s interests. MORE CHINESE ALLEGA, T lONS, WASHINGTON, January 4. Tho Chinese representatives continue to issue documents designed to show that Japan is attempting to overthrow the republic. Another batch is being issued to-night, charging the Japanese with supporting various Russian groups attacking in June last. The documents mostly are inconclusive, and do not connect the Japanese Government with the operations.