The St. Mary banner., 1921-11-26
ARMS CONFERENCE
AT WASHINGTON
China Presents Bill Of Right:
u. S. Shows Sympathy.
Discussions.


armamentS.
1t was the Chinese delegates who led
the way this time. In the committee
of nine, at which all nations partici-
patlng were represented, they pro-
duced a basis for discussion, which
represents their views.
The open sympathy of the United
States with their position was at once
manifest. The British supported it in
many respects. The positions of the
others were not SO clearly defined, al
though members of the Japanese dele
cation have given expression of ap-
proval, in part at least, of Chinas
bill of rights"
In brief, China wants guarantees for
territorial integrity and political and
administrative independence. She pro-
poses the open door for all in all parts
! of the country. She wants all spheres
of influence relinquished. She wants
no treaties made affecting her without
being consulted about them.
The full extent of China's position is
much broader than this, but these are
| the essentials. The last feature may
be construed as affecting the Anglo
japanese alliance, although the British
take an opposite view.
An agreement on the reduction and
Limitation of naval armament without
awaiting the outcome Of discussion of
Pacific and Far Eastern questions was
foreshadowed by developments We'd
nesday.
1t transpired that the American del
egation has communicated to the for
eign plenipotentiaries the willingness
of the United States to sign an inter-
national restriction compact as soon as
1t is framed without regard to the
status of deliberations on the other
questions before the conference.
The British delegation responded
that it is ready to take the same
course. This development was con-
firmed Wednesday when one of the |
spokesmen of the British delegation |
stated in response to an inquiry by
newspaper correspondents:
1T is our view that questions should |
be disposed of when reported to the
conference by a committee without |
regard to other questions upon which |
reports are not ready. OF course this
applies to the question of reduction of
armament upon which early conclu-
sions may be expected"
The Japanese delegation welcomed |
the suggestion of the American dsle.
cation, Admiral Baron Kato, head of
the delegation, stating that Japan is
ready to sign an agreement on the
Limitation of naval armament based
on the Hughes proposals without max
ing acceptance contigent upon the ad-
justment of differences on the prob
lens of the Pacific and the Far East.
The move of the American govern
ment to expedite agreement on naval
holiday without reference to the more
difficult problems pending and the
favorable reception of the proposal by
both Great Britain and Japan consti-
tute the most important development.
1t means that whatever the outcome
OF the discussions Of Far Eastern and
Pacific questions, the conference is
assured Of success in achieving its
principal purpose, that of curtailing
sea power, halting competitive naval
building and Tightening the burden of
taxes for the maintenance of floating
fortresses.
Washington.-Great Britain and jap
an formally will accept in principle the
American proposal for the reduction
and limitation of naval ornaments.
The Right Hon rthur j. Balfour,
acting head of the .jritish delegation,
will make The am ouncement ON be-
half Of the British empire.
Baron Kato. minister of the navy,
will place Japan on record in favor of
aalting competitive navy building by
'ome such agreement as Mr.. Hughes
to the conference.
France and Italy also have stepped
nto line in support of the principle of
imitation. although the plan to sup
'ly to those nations has not yet been
Their delegates, however,
vill be afforded In opportunity to
make formal response to Secretary
d'.ghes' recommendations.
Although agreeing in principle, both
are.t Britain and Japan will make it
lear there are certain changes and
editions to the plan which they desire l
0 propose and to ask the United {
tates to accept. They will indicate
hat q compromise on details wouId