Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-04-09

|QOJO VI Illo11NAdLCSs
} Full exchanges between the four
governments are expected before any
one of them replies to Mr.. Hughes.
In the opinion of some diplomats here.
Japan's attitude will determine the
position to be taken by Great Britain
and France and possibly Italy.
Agreement in 1916.
This is based upon the agreement
entered into by Great Britain and
France with Japan in 1916, before the
United States entered the war, where's
by Japan was to receive the German
islands in the Pacific north of the
equator.
This agreement, it is explained, was
made when the activities Of the Ger
man submarines demanded a reinforce
ment of the entente naval forces and
the opinion is advanced that since Ja-
Fan fulfilled her part of the contract
Great Britain and France feel bound
to carry out the agreement if Japan in
sists. If Japan is willing to modify
its position with regard to these
islands and particularly the Island Of
Zap, however, the view is that the
European allied governments will glad
" accept that solution.
In ltaiy's Case.
In way, the present situation IL
regarded as somewhat similar to that
obtaining when Italy insisted upon in
voking the treaty Of London in justi-
fication of her claims in the Adriatia
section. Both Great Britain and France
sought to induce Italy to abate her
claims in the matter Of Fiume, but let
it be known that if Italy insisted they
would execute the provisions Of the
treaty of London, obnoxious as they
were to the United States.
The Adriatic settlement was finally
brought about through direct negotia-
tons between Italy and Jugo-Slavi
and it was thus found unnecessary to
invoke the provisions of the secret
treaty made by the European allies be-
fore the United States became belli-
gerent.
The entente contention is understood
to be that the nature and extent of the
agreement with Japan was discussed in
Paris In connection with the peace
treaty.
Question Wilson Objections.
The present situation may raise the
question of what the records OF .he
council of four at Paris really show.
President Wilson had said that he did
not agree to the Japanese mandate for
Inc Island of Zap, but others who
were represented in the council Of
tour are understood to contend that
here are records in existence to show
that what objections Mr.. Wilson made
we're IN the course of arguments and
1ot expressed in the vote that award
ID the mandate.
The position japan will take in re-
'lying to Mr.. Hughes note, cannot now
'e forecast 1t has insisted upon its
light to control Of the island in car
which previously has
States.
Yap Cable Question.
This correspondence has been pub.
ished only n fragmentary form, but
has been the understanding that
apan expressed willingness to meet.
he wishes Of the United States SO far
IS the matter of landing cable al
lap was concerned, provided such a
was not to question .hs
light of Japan to administer the af-
airs of the island under her exclusive
'.Gndate.
iTesiuenl wilson mas stated that he
insisted at Paris upon the internation-
IllZation5 of zap and this is known to
ave been the attitude of the Ameri-
an government at the international
communications conference here.
Want Y. S. Representative.
The council of the League of Ma
ions, in replying to the original pro-
est OF the American government re-
arding zap and the British mandate
or Mesopotamia suggested that tns
United States send a representative
0 the meeting Of the council next month
1hen the status Of the mandates is
AIKEN up. 1t has been held that Amer
"a can accept this invitation without
her objection to entering the
eague, but administration officials
ave refraned from indicating what
ction would be taken on the invitation,