The New York herald., 1921-12-01
HANIHARA HELPS
ROOT PROGRAMME
His Liberal Tendency and
Friendship for American
Statesman Are Factors.
BY *. X. KAwAKAMI.

Special CORRESPONDENT Of the Jji
Shimpo, Toxic
Special Despatch to THE New YosK HERALn.
New York Heraid Bureau.
Washington, u. C., Nov. 30
It Is idle to talk of a deadlock devel-
oping out of a difference of opinion be-
tween Japan and America on the matter
OF naval ratio. A week ago I said that
There is not the slightest doubt as 70
the anicabie settlement OF the naval
question. Certain 1t IS that when the
conference comes to an end England,
America and Japan Will have agreed on
a programme Of radical reduction"
That prediction holds as true to-day
rs It did week ago. In spite of ripples
on the surface, the conference between
the leaders of the two countries has suf-
can people may depend upon 1t that the
matter will be settled. and settled soon,
In manner satisfactory to them.
AS long as the Japanese naval au-
thorities here had reason to doubt the
accuracy Of the American estimate as
TO the existing ratio It was their privi-
lege as well as their duty to submit
their views to the consideration OF the
American delegation. But once they arc
convinced of their mistake they will not
resort to anything like filibustering.
AS to the work of the Far Eastern
and Pacific committee, the japanese
have shown themselves liberal and ac-
commodating. Mr. Hanlhara. the Vice
init nf TON fol 10
assigned as the fourth delegate Of Japan
because of Ambassador Shideharas un-
expected Illness. Is known for his liberal
tendency. Although he may not be in
n position always to have his own way
in dealing with his home Government.
his presence at the committee meetings
as spokesman for Japan on the Fa-
Eastern questions is considered de-
cided advantage to the happy execution
Of the Root programme. Incidentally. Mr..
Hanihara has genuine friendship and
admiration for Mr.. Root, having served
in the japanese Enbn ssy here during all
the years when Mr. Root was Secretary
of State.
One of the most important things
that he has so far agreed to do for
China is the withdrawal OF foreign
troops. In the execution OF this plan
Japan will be most seriously affected.
CT Inerc ls not the SNEnteSt DOUBT az
TO the earnestness OF japanese promise
to comply with the agreement of the
conference.
Tht Japanese barracks at Hankow
the most thriving commercial centre
on the Yangtse River. have been n
target of severe criticisms. At present
there are some 900 soldiers stationed
there. The japanese troops were sent
there when the fighting between the
Peiin forces and the southern revolu-
tionary eorces threatened the safety
of foreigners in 1911.
Another point where Japanese troops
are stationed is Shantung, where thev
arc employed as railway guards. The
main railway Is 245 miles in length and
has few short branch lines. The
present Japanese force protecting these
lines consists OF some 900 soldiers.
These troops would have been re-
moved two years ago had China ac-
cepted the Japanese invitation to dis
cuss the Shantung question in
friendly spirit.
In south Manchuria japan operates
$50 miles of railways. Along these rail-
by Japan for ninety-nine years. As
long as this lease lasts IL is Japan's
duty to police the railway zone. For
this purpose Japan stations some eCO0
soldiers along the lines. Even the Man
churlan natives appreciate the peace
and the security of life and property
made possible by the presence of the
Japanese troops.