The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-11
Recedes From Claim to
Rights of Conquest
In Shantung.
INSISTS PEKIN
SHOULD SETTLE
Dual Governments of Re-
public May End Diff
ferences.


stantial concessions in Shantung.
Japan has practically agreed that.
as her contribution to the success
of the armament conference, she
will recede from her original posi-
tion that because she wrested the
peninsula from German domination.
she acquired the vested rights OF
the Teutonic kingdom that were
taken from China in 1899
Information to this effect came
last night from both japanese and
Chinese sources. The negotiations
still are incomplete. Because of
that fact official announcement is
withheld. But 1t was made plain
that the Shantung problem, hereto
fore considered the most dificult
facing both Japan and China. is in
a fair way to be settled in a man
ner that will be satisfactory TO all
concerned.
Must Reimburse Japan.
The suggested basis OF settle
ment is to turn back to China con-
troll of all public properties in the
concession area and control of the
Shantung Railway. But before this
is done China must agree to reim-
burse Japan for all expenditures
made in improvements and main
tenanoe.
There are details in this connec-
ton that remain to be worked out
All that has been done TO date is
to get the general sentiment OF the
two delegations on the matter.
Publicly the japanese maintain
their position that they won their
holdings in Shantung by sacrifices
OF men and money and that because
Of this fact they should retain at
least a half interest in the prop
critics. The japanese also insist
that their increasing need for raw
materials produced on the peninsula
makes il imperative that they be
given a preferential position there.
The Chinese insist that they must
have their territory restored to them.
Unless this Is done by the present con-
ference. they insist. war between China
and Japan is certain in the none too
distant future. 1t Is. however, under
stood that they would be well satisfied
with a promise that this action will
take place at a future date. Such an
assurance would do a great deal TO
clear up the situation in China and 10
strengthen the government there.
Expect United Republic.
Meanwhile there are rumors in
Washington which are most persistent
that there will be a settlement between
the present dual governments Of China
and under which the republic will be
again united. Such a development. IL
is admitted here, would have a very
material effect on the present confer
ence. A solidly united China would
be most potent force to deal with.
Officials declare that II this should
develop as reported, not only japan
but other nations would be more will
ing to make concessions to restore the
Chinese nation to her proper place in
the family Of nations.
1t has been emphasized time and
again in the sessions of the commit
tee on Pacific and Far Eastern af-
fairs that all of the nations holding
acquired rights in China willingly
would surrender them IL guaranteed
that their interests would be protected
in the future.
Grave doubts concerning the sta
bility of the existing government
have been expressed by various
spokesman, especially the Jana
nese. The Chinese delegation has
denied that there was any Justice
in the contentious of their critics.
1t has been insisted that the Pekin
government was thoroughly or
ganized and that II was stamping
out revolutions generally.
Jury is Friendly.
But even Secretary Hughes, in
ruling on the question of the re-
moval of troops from China. de-
clared that the great question for
decision was to ascertain the actual
state OF conditions in China. and
most of the delegations believe that
committee of the conference
should make a f1rsthand investiga-
ton. meanwhile publicly assuring
China that IL the report is favorable
concessions will be made
At every possible opportunity the
various delegations, under the lead
ership of Chairman Hughes, have
taken occasion publicly TO proclaim
friendship for China and to assure
her delegation that her claims are
being examined by almost friendly
jury. But there il so strong an asi-
tation in China for pressing the
agreed-upon points that these as
surances have not done much to
clear the air in China. This has
done a lot to complicate the opera
tions of the conference and e.pe-
cially to make for friction in the
direct Shantung negotiations.
The official communique issued
following the conference between
the Chinese and Japanese delesa-
tions at the Pan American Build
ing said:
The problems affecting the
Tsingtao-Tsinan Railroad was un-
der discussion. and considerably
progress was made toward an un-
derstanding."