WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14764, 1 October 1921, Page 5

WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

JAPAN ES K IN TEN TIGN S PREPARED TO CURTAIL ARMAMENTS INSTRUCTION' TO DELEGATES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received Sept. 30, 7.35 p.m. TOKIO, Sept. 20. A Japanese official, interviewed, stated that as part of the fundamental policy at the Washington Conference Japan would not permit the scrapping or the 21 demand agreement with China, nor tolerate interference in the Shantung question, Japan considering these as accomplished facts concerning Japan and China directly. However, in a general discussion on Far Eastern matters Japan was willing to explain frankly her position. It is understood that the Government is preparing special instructions to the Japanese delegates to the Washington Conference concerning the limitation of armaments. It is indicated that the building of eight battleships and eight, battle-cruisers originated in the idea that this programme was necessary for national defence, hut Japan recognises that the project has lost its original significance, and is therefore prepared to make such a curtailment as will make her strong enough to maintain peace in the Far East, the curtailing being by agreement with the Powers in the spirit of mutual concession and compromise. CONFERENCE SUPPORTED. BY DEMOCRATIC SENATORS. Received Sept. 30, 7.35 p.m. WASHINGTON, Sept. 20. The Democratic minority in the Senate unanimously supported Mr Harding's Disarmament Conference, and carried a resolution hoping the fullest possible measure of success would attend the Conference. It is understood that America proprised (o the other invited powers tTint Portugal should attend Hie Washington Conference during the Far-Eastern discussions.