The New York herald., 1921-11-25

that the Root plan does not courte-
nance past international transsres-
sions at the expense of China, but that
IL pledges the United States, Great
Britain. France, Italy. Belgium, Hol-
land, Portugal and japan TO refrain
from taking advantage of present com
ditions in order to seek political rights
at the expense OF the Chinese (Pekin)
Government.
1t is further asserted that beyond
the commitments of the nations ap-
proving the plan in principle no actual
step has been taken toward Hearing
up specific matters affecting the in
terests of any nation in China
With the general plan proposed by
Mr.. Root as the basis for operations
committees will take up matters or
specific and concrete relevancy az mas
already been done regarding the tariff
and fiscal affairs of China. 1t is un-
derstood that at the proper time Mr.
Root vii. offer concrete suggestions TO
meet specific cases..
AS to the Anglo-Japanese alliance,
which is generally admitted to he OBJ
solete and certain of abandonment, the
British and Japanese delegates are
exerting the maximum of diplomatic
skill in trying to evolve a plan that
will be satisfactory to both nations and
which can be reconciled with tho con-
stitutional policies of the United
States.
Looks TO Britain for Remedy.
Just how this Is to be accomplished
Is a matter of keen speculation among
the delegates of all countries repre-
sented at the conference. There are
many conflicting views on the subject.
It is quite apparent to persons in
formed as to the Japanese attitude
that the representatives of the
AIikado's Government look to their
British ally TO find way out that will
not offend the dignity of the Japanese
people and at the same time conform
to the views of this and other coun-
tries that do not regard the Anglo
japanese alliance with favor.
The British delegation is giving a
commendable exhibition. of sportsman
ship in standing by the Japanese. 1t
has been apparent to close observers
for the last week that the British
~ogarnment has been exerting a pres
sure on the representatives of its over
dominions--Canada. Australia
az New Zealand--to keep them IN
ii with the British policy
nerican students of international
eve its think they discern a change Of
froit on the part Of these colonies
since discussion Of the Anglo-Japa-
nese alliance developed last spring,
al rough the representatives of the
british dominions aver that there has
oeen no change. Their position seems
70 be that they are compelled to con-
er Japan as valuable ally for SER
yiaes rendered during the war; and
thing must be done to suggest
British ingratitude."
They seem to see no reason why an
agreement as to Far Eastern affairs
cannot be reached without violating
the constitutional inhibitions # the
United States against treaties Ike the
Anglo-Japanese alliance itself. They
express the opinion that since the
menace of Russian and German inn
perialism has disappeared there is no
necessity for the continuance Of the
Anglo-Japanese treaty. but they want
it clearly understood that they "arc
not running away from British obliga-
tions to Japan
On last "Wednesday Mr.. Balfour
frankly declared that he would like to
see something in the nature of a tri-
partite agreement (not an alliance) be-
tween the United States. Japan and
Great. Britain, but he candidiy ad-
mitted that he supposed the United
States would not agree to such q plan.
On Friday Sir Robert Borden said
that Canada is standing with Great
Britain and has no individual feelings
in the matter" On the same day Sir
Auckland Geddes. the British Ambas-
sador. while asserting the friendship
of Great Britain for Japan. expressed
the hope that an all round arrange
ment could be made which would be
satisfactory to the United states. Great
Britain and Japan. Delegate Pierce.
representing Australia. also expressed
the same view.
Britain's WATCHDOG In East.
The Japanese viewpoint. as inter-
preted by some Of the leading Journal
lists OF that country attending he on-
ference. is that Japan is acting as a
watchdog for Great Britain in the
East" and while there exists no politi-
cal necessity for the continuance of
the alliance there is a very strong
sentimental feeling in favor of it,"
The controversy between the naval
experts of italy and France regarding
sea arrnaments Is admitted to be cir
ritating." The assertion Of equal privi-
leges by Italy with those of France has
engaged the attention of the naval ex-
perts for three days. and up to d..te, II
is said. NJ satisfactory solution has
been reached.
The italian representatives base
their arguments for a navy comparable
In size with that of France on the
ground that Italy actually needs a
larger navy In the Mediterranean than
her neishbor. The italians. while urg-
ing the necessity for adequate capital
ship forces, apparently place n greater
value on submarines, despite the grow
ing sentiment AGAINST the continuance
Of that type OF craft.
The controversy between the naval
experts OF the two countries has bsen
both spirited and acrimonious, but the
larger view obtains that It will not con-
stitute permanent menace to the sue
cess Of the conference.