The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-25
JAPAN ID ASK FOR ADVANCE OUTLINE
 OF FARLEY SCOPE
Formulation of Agreement May Come Before Exten- sion of Formal Invitation
 to the Conference
By Associated Press

Washington, July 24.-Althoug gh the conclusions of the diplomatic ad- visory council of Japan, which has
 been meeting in Tokio, are expected to decide finally the course of that country with respect to participation in the proposed Far Eastern confer ence, 1t was stated authoritatively Japan would ask assurances that a formal agreement as to the scope C f the conference discussions be reached prior to the meeting.
 Formulation of such an agreement. 1t also was stated, need. not precede response by Japan to the overtures of Secretary Hughes, but must in view of the Japanese Government. come a some time between the reply to the American Secretary of state and the actual meeting of the con terence. Formulation of the agree ment might come before the exten- slon of the formal invitation to the conference; in fact, there are some indications that the Japanese would prefer that arrangement, but if not. then the formal invitation itself will. 1t Is expected, make these limitations clear
 Main Far Eastern Subjects
 Principal subjects Tor discussion by the proposed conference under IA Q head of Ear Eastern questions are cohsldered in Japanese circles here 10 embrace the status of China; It's relation to other governments. it's conple internal economic conditions and the possibility of reconciline various conflicting concessions held by foreign governments as well as individuals. The Japanese belief is that there shall be no interference oy the conference with vested rights ara concessions, but that it is en- ufeiy proper that efforts should he inaoe 10 relieve friction that has grown out Of overlapping claims. Ja- pan claims certain exclusive ,ighi a in Manchura; Great Britain asserts control of a sphere if influence in the whole Kangtse valley; America mas railway concessions tbrouyb Hlodie China; Belgium and Holland dlso are lnterested financially in such enterprises, while France Jomi Eates the Chinese postal system as balance to England's con trol Of the Chinese maritime customs Japan also enjoys valuable and ex- ciusive rights in Fukien province.
 mat the conference might con sioer the framing of some plan for A simplificatlon of all these concessions wlH be favored by Japan it is un uerstooo. Incidentally that would af- rect an American concession based on tobacco tax materially and might also involve a review of the arrange ments made by the consortium which undertook to finance China.
 The Japanese hope and expectation IS understood to be that, nctwith- standing China's efforts to bring the suoJect Of the Japanese occupation of Shantung before the conference, that matter may yet be adjusted in ad- vance by direct negotiations between the two governments. It is also be- lieVed In Japanese quarters here that the controversy with the United states as to cable rights in the Island or Tap may be settled "out of court" by Secretary Hughes and Baron Shi- dehara. the Japanese amba ssador. American officials, however, were not so positive about this. While they nope Tor direct settlement. it is fully understod that the issue presented in this case, apparently confined to mere question of the right to oper- ate submarine cable, might easily be greatly enlarged so as to involve the whole subject of mandates over the Pacific islands.
 It appears. however. that the main Japanese effort will be directed to the removal of all restrictions and discriminatlons in trading with China and in the development of that coun- try, carrying out the open door policy initiated by the late John Hay. and assurance on that point. already con veyed to Secretary Hughes. is be- lieved to account for miNh of the op- timism he has shown regarding the subject of the projected conference