Evening star., 1921-12-04
Step to Adjust
Far East Is
Important.
SESSION
TO PUSH WORK
Britain and Japan
Ask to Retain Two
LeasehOlds.
ny G. GOULD LINCOLN.

BY G. GOULD LINCOLN.
Great significance was attached
last night by spokesmen for the
American and other delegations to
the Washington conference to the
advance made yesterday by the
conference in dealing with the
question of leased territory in
China.
The offer of France to give up
her lease of Kwangchouwan, pro-
vided the other powers holding
leased territory in China would
agree to yield their leases also'
was indicative, it was said. OF the
spirit with which the problems OF
China have been attacked by the
conference.
Britain II Congratulated.
Great Britain's reply to the effect
she was willing to relinquisn her
lease of Weihaiwei, in Shantung, was
the cause of similar congratulation.
Japan's comment that she had al
ready promised to return to China the
bay of Kiaochow in China. the lease
of which she obtained through the
war with Germany. and that negotia-
tions with China for that end are now
under way was taken as good omen.
Two other leaseholds in China. how
. ever, that of Kowloon on the main
land just opposite HoRgkong, which
Is held by the British, and that of the
Liaotung peninsula. including Port
Arthur and Dalny. which is held by
the Japanese, those powers desire TO-
retain.
Discussion to Continue.
The discussion Of the leaseholds in
China, 1t was decided. will be consid-
cred further at the next meeting of
the committee on the far east, which
is to be held Wednesday morning.
So far as the limitation Of naval
night held the spotlight. Develop
ments of the greatest importance to
the conference are expected to happen
there in the next few days. The Toxic
government must pass upon proposals
transmitted to it by the Japanese del
egation here, dealing with the naval
ratio of the United States, Great
Britain and Japan.
An atmosphere of optimism as to the
results Of the deliberations In Toxic was
found In the highest conference quarters
hA~A Ia oof Snhf h.Ii inf H.
that the Japanese government, with the
facts squarely before IL. will agree to
the 5-5-3 ratio proposed by the United
States and concuryed in by Great
Britain.
May BE Delayed Week.
There is every reason to believe that
the Toxic government will have before
1t, in connection with the naval ratio,
suggestions regarding friendly under
standing Of the powers with reference
to the far east, which viii have consid-
cradle influence in the determination of
its attitude on the 5-5-3 proposal.
In view of the time 1t requires to
get messages through to Toxic from
Washington and to receive a reply, not
to mention the fact that the Japanese
cabinet must meet and discuss the mat
ters presented, the belief here is that
most Of the coming week may be re-
duired to obtain definite action on the
naval ratio. Because of this fact, it
was said. there Is little likelihood of an
open meeting Of the conference during
the present week.
Lull In Proceedings.
lull in proceedings here for the
next two days is expected. The COM
mittee on the far east does not meet
again until Wednesday. The COM
mittee on limitation Of naval arma-
ment will not meet until Tokio's
answer has been received. Arthur
J. Balfour, head Of the British dele
gatlsGs. is out Of the city, filling en-
gagsrazats in New York until We'd
nesday. The delegates are expected
to attend q joint meeting of Congress
on Tuesday to hear President Hard
ing deliver an address,
It was insisted last night that the
American delegation is making no
compromise inconsistent with the
principles advanced by the United
States with regard to the limitation
Of armament or the problems Of the
far east. in seeking to effect an
agreement on the limitation Of naval
armament.
OAer to Have influence.
Frances offer to give up her leased
territory in China, backed up by the
offer of Great Britain to yield her
lease. Of Weihaiwei in Shantung, is
expected to have considerable in
fiuence in bringing to a successful
conclusion the negotiations now go
ing on here between the Chinese and
the japanese in regard to the with
ssawa' sgax, Of the Japanese from Shan
The United States position, with
regard to Shantung, has long been
clear. The United States did not
ratify the Versailles treaty turning
fF0nXyGVo ~, Do - 4