The Washington times., 1921-11-28
FUTURE PEACE
HINGES On FAR .
EAST, He SAYS
Reinsch Sees Chinese Salvation,
As Real Test Of Limitation !.
Conference. Z
BY PAUL &. REINSCH,


Former U. =. Minister to China and A.
thorfty On Politics Of the Far East. I"
Copyright. 1921. by Universal Service j.
The conference has been awhirs:
the delegates say they are being
killed with kindness. No conference
ever started with such momentum,
There have been formal meetings
and committee meetings every day.
Then came endless social attentions
-luncheons, teas, receptions. dinners,
and balls. There are innumerable
meetings in smaller circles where
schemes, fates and destinies are dis
cussed. Every minute is occupied.
but there is no time for concentra-
ton. Between oratoricai fireworks
and reception small talk, the aver
age mind is bewildered rather than
clarified. 1t is society racing
against time; it is a whirlpool.
International conferences never
have had the setting and leisure
necessary for concentrated work on
profound problems. But they give
opinion a chance to crystalline; they
put the spotlight on the dramatic
elements In the world situation. The
notable oratorical success Of M.
BRAND illustrates the nature of the
opportunity such distinguished
gathering affords.
Sought to Avoid Details.
In their discussion of the Chinese
ten proposals, the Japanese delegation
had deprecated the spending of time
on detailed discussion. The Chinese
proposals, themselves were framed in
very general terms. All this added to
the fear that the essential things
might be slurred over, and that with
d "hurrah" of general phrases, the
delegates might be home at an early
date. leaving the world in worse con.
dition than it was before.
When Senator Root began the dis.
cussion of Far Eastern affairs, by sun
hitting the four principles adopted on
November 21, the same fear was pres
ent. But II was soon revealed THAI
the declarations of Mr.. Root were
merely prelude, and that the de-
tailed discussion of crucial matters
would not be discouraged.
The declarations introduced by Mr.
Root in the main contain a restate-
ment Of the principles of Chinese in.
tegrity and Of equal opportunity. The
fourth declaration is intended to dis
courage the seeking of rights or privi'
leges at a time when conditions arc
not entirely normal That il very
beneficial if the conference went much
further.
The last part OF the fourth declara-5
ton of Mr.. Root. to the effect that
the nations would not "countenance.
action inimical to the security OF
friendly states" has been pulling
to many. 1t is. however, undoubt.
edly to be taken in connection with,
the first part of article and to
refer to the same subject-matter-
the seeking of rights and
privileges. In this sense. It applies
to all nations the special provision
made in the consortium correspon.
dence of 1920, to Japan. A broader
such as would call
the associated nations to watch and
supervise any action within China
which enc or the other outside powef,
might consider inimical would be n
dangerous and far-reaching commit
ment.
Wants Foreigners Taxed.
The first proposal for detailed dis.
cussion brought forward by Senator.
Underwood dealt with the financial
This is indeed Of fundamental i'm.
portance. The present treaty hmita-
tons confine the Chinese govern"
ment to a customs duty Of per
cent. That is entirely insufficient
for it's needs. How can II maintain
its independence and integrity with
out adequate financial support?
Moreover, all foreigners residing in
China engaged in business and other
profitable occupations there, are
totally exempt from all Chinese taxes.
There is. therefore, a good deal to-
be done by way Of equitably adjust
ing the burdens that have to be
borne in order that a great and ef-