The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-07-27

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Secretary Lansing was asked today
70 comment upon the story showtng
that the Shantung cession of Japa--
nese violated both the Root IT kahira
and the Lansing -Ishii agreement
He refused to comment. His re-
fusal was regarded generally as fur-
Their proof OF the truth OF the report
that he had protested against the
award to Japan.
Unless the senate foreign anairs
committee shall bring out the facts
With respect to the reported differ
ence In the American high commits
Non over the Shantung award. the
Lansing Bliss White protest probably
win continue to remain one OF the
Amys,er!es" OF the peace conference
CHINESE ALLEGATION
The allegation from Chinese sources
pf the probably new secret under
ssanding between Great Britain.
France and Japan by which those
hires powers are to control the fu-
k,.re Of Asia, astounded the statesmen
sn capitol hill.
Generally they are not disposed to
eredit It, but the charge has been
made in way, they say. which calls
FOR cisavowal. IL without basis. The
Chinese representatives have asserted
positively their knowledge of over
lures by Japan to Great Britain and
France for an understanding.
They claim to have admission Ia
Mat effect. They do not know that
he agreem emit vsas consummated but
hey strongly suspect that II was
Chsir belief is that the intention was
10 keep It secret until after the ratt-
hcation OF the treaty.
They contended that the words
regional understanding IN the ar
hcle which covers the Monroe doc
trtne were also intended TO cover
(his alleged secret agreement
Once the treaty is ratified in its
present form, they say. the alleged
Secret agreement could be safely made
bubble because the United States un-
der the terms OF the treaty would
Be bound TO recognize the validity OF
the alleged secret compact.
are asking IL that light be let IN on
the dASkuess they claim enveloped
the proceeding Of the Paris confer
pnce when far-eastern questions were
under its consideration.
A strong sympathy with this de-
hand IL growing Among the states
men on capitol hill. They want to
know the truth and the whole truth
about the proceedings in Paris before
EOnsenttnE TO the treatyS ratIncafton.
There is another most interesting
phase Of the situation In which full
iirht ID desired. The secret treaties
between Japan. Great Britain. France.
ITALY and Russia were made some
weeks after the United States had
broken OF diplomatic relations with
f3ermany and had induced the re-
public OF China also to break of diplo-
matte relations with that country
II seems therefore. that while the
Emitted States. acting for the allies. was
endeavoring to bring China into the
var against Germany. tho allies made
! secret compact with one Of their
number, Japan. by which Japan for
her services In the war was to be
riven . slice of tho great Oriental ON
rirS which the allies were inducing ia
eome In on their side
me far eastern bureau. an Ameri-
an information service supplying, the
eAva and doing economic research in
40 far east and having no official con-
eection with either Japan or China. to-
4 AZ made public here . London spe-
ssiai cable received by. the bureau re-
veaIing opposition to the Shantung de-
4 amor in the British parliament.
The special cable follows:
ON IA the house OF commons on the
u -A1st instant the Shantung eat
III