The New York herald., 1921-07-15
OMISSION BY JAPAN
OF FAR EAST issues
CAUSES NO ANXIETY
Belated Official Reply to
Harding's Invitation May
Be Supplemented Later.
CAN'T DODGE PROBLEMS
Toxic Would Kill Chance of
Renewing British Pact in
Ignoring Pacific.
CAPITAL EXPECTS CROWDS
Washington Ends Plan to
Separate Disarmament From
Oriental Subjects.
CAPITAL EXPECTS CROWDS

-~~P%fNf
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. c., July IL.
japan to-day notified the United
States that she Is willing to partici-
pate In conference in Washington on
limitation OF armaments, but main
tained complete silence regarding Pa
cffic and Far Eastern problems which
are included as subjects for discus
sion Jointly with disarmament in the
invitation of President Harding.
This half acceptance of Japan is in
terpreted officially here as having no
special significance, the explanation
being that the Japanese Government
evidently wanted more time 10 con-
slider the Far Eastern side of the ques-
ton. But in spite of this official op
timism, Japan's attitude is somewhat
disquieting to the Administration. 1t
is hoped that she will enter whole
heartedly into the plan before the for
NAL invitations are sent out.
Regardless of the attitude Of Japan
the arrangements for the conference will
so forward on the basis of the original
proposal of President Harding for q
Joint discussion Of disarmament and the
Pacific problems. All or the other In
vited nations have accepted the informal
invitations on that basis. China came
along to-day with her oficial accept
ance. completing the list.
Fixing Date for Conference.
Cable advices will be interchanged for
the purpose of agreeing on a date for
the opening OF the session. When this
is settled, President Harding will send
the formal invitations to Great Britain.
France. Italy, Japan and China. Mo-
yember IL, Armistice Day, continues to
be the favorite date with this Govern
ment. but II Is willing to suit the time
to the convenience Of all concerned.
Japan's pointed silence on the Far
East part Of the proposed conference
was considered here In connection with
the report that preliminary confer
ence in London had been suggested by
Downing Street
In unofficial. although well informed
quarters. II was assumed that japan
possibly was responsible for this sug-
gestion. The prompt intimation from
the United States that 1t regarded the
simultaneous discussion of the two sub
jects in Washington as essential to sue
cess. apparently has stopped discussion
of a preliminary London conference.
1t was intimated at the State Depart
ment that the part acceptance of japan
would necessitate further inquiries as TO
her attitude. The formal invitation will
Ia nd upf11 lo
the two subjects of discussion. 1t Is
believed, however, that Japan will sig
Nifty her intention OF participating In
both discussions before the formal invi-
tation Is forwarded.
Among leading Senators It was point
ed out that Japan could not afford to
stay out of a conference like the one
proposed. Obstinate refusal to discuss
Pacific questions. they say. would leave
Japan in a position Of isolation which
would place her under world suspicion.
II Is believed also that such a course
would nullify any future effort that
might be made by japan to renew her
alliance with Great Britain.
Chtna's Action Significant.
China's official acceptance of the in
vitation to participate In the discussion
of Far Eastern problems Is regarded as
significant. The delay in the official
acceptance indicates tnat the Cninese
Government weighed the situation care
fully. The note which Secretary OF
State Hughes recently wrote to the Chi
nese Minister in Washington. reiterat-
ing this Governments adherence to the
policy OF the "open door" and the In
tegrity OF China. apparently Is regarded
in Pekin as assurance OF protection
against the aggressive attitude OF any
other Power toward China
The attitude of China In the approach
ing conference. II Is understood, will be
one Of extreme openness. She will not
seek to embarrass japan and is willing
TO make any necessary concession to
promote a peaceful and just settlement
Of the Pacific question. This attitude
NJ China will render the work of the
conference much easier and aid greatly
In relieving the sensibilities Of Japan.
The suggestions emanating from
France that she might insist upon
reconsideration Of the proposed French
Anglo-American alliance 10 compensate
for a reduction in her military forces,
attracted attention, but drew no official
comment. II In confidently believed
that this question. like all others relat-
ing 70 the peace OF the world. will be
srnoothed out at the conference board.
II Ia known to be President Hardngs
idea that many OF the difficulties which
now seem insuperablc will disappear II
the nations, through their representa-
tives. can only be induced TO sit down
and talk them over. That they will do
this now seems assured.
Only mild interest was manifested
here to-day In the discussion in England
concerning the personnel OF the British
delegation. This Is recognized as en-
tirely n British matter and any dele
gates chosen will be heartily received.
Interest is developing in Washington
as 10 what disposal will be made OF the
many visiting delegations. IL is recalled
that at Paris entire hotels we're taken
over by the delegations from the various
c.oantries. While the Washington con-
f-rence will not be so large II will be
lnrge enough to tax the limited hous-
ing facilities OF this comparatively small
city.
In addition 10 the visiting delegations
from the Powers included In the invita-