Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-12-02

All principals in the controversy re-
fused to recognize the situation as a
deadlock. The American delegates, it
was said authoritatively, were even
declining to regard Baron Sntp's pro-
posal for an increased Japanese
strength as a formal presentation of
the Japanese viewpoint. They were
confident it was declared, that the
1O-10-7 proportion would be abandon
ed before Japan's final statement OF
position is placed before the confer
ence. 1t is apparent that if the pro-
posal of the Japanese statesman is
not to be regarded as formal, the rea-
son lies. in the, fact that it was not
"passed across the table at a formal
session Of the arms conference, or any
OF its regularly constituted subdivi-
sions.
Some Plain Talk.
Baron Kato's request for an in
crease over the American. ratio was
communicated to Secretary Hughes
and Arthur J. BaHour at meeting of
the three Tuesday. In relating
frankly his governments position, the
Japanese plenipotentiary touched on
the reasons which impelled him to
make the request and asked that the
question of national needs be taken
into account in determining the new
naval relativity.
In response, Secretary Hughes and
Mr.. Balfour made plain the opposi-
ton of the American and British dele
cations to vitally changing the basis
of ratio determination, and Baron ka-
to indicated he desired before going
further to communicate again with his
government Since then the three
have not met to discuss the question,
but their conversations are to be re-
sumed when further advices have
been received from Toxic.
During the lull, new attempt was
troversy, but in view of the status of
the naval negotiations. the Shantung
conversations were looked on by many
delegates as a small part of the main
picture. Secretary Hughes and Mr..
Balfour, expressing their good Of
fees" met with the Japanese and
Chinese delegations for preliminary
survey of the situation and then left
American and British observers on
the ground to aid in whatever way they
can to bring the two oriental groups
into agreement.
Await First Move
The part taken by Mr.. Hughes and
Mr.. Balfour in the meeting was said
to have been confined to general
statement of confidence that a just
Baron Kato responding for Japan and
Minister SEE for China with general
expressions Of qualification in the in
terest taken by the two other powers.
The session lasted little more than an
hour, and afterwards it was indicated
that it had not been determined
whether Japan or China should make
the first move. There will be another
meeting Friday.
The note of optimism over the out
come of the naval discussions was par
ticularly manifest among the Japanese.
While refraining from any comment on
the British position, Baron Kato said
he would not regard the situation as
constituting deadlock and another
member of the, Japanese delegation,
using a different phrase, emphasized
that 1--WE are not pessimistic."
The submission of the entire subject
to.Tokio indicates that under the Jap
anese system it will be considered by
the japanese cabinet, as well as by
body composed of eminent japanese,
chiefly former ministers. Representa-
tive Japanese expressed the opinion
Thursday night that in order to reach
decision every element called with
the question must be taken into con-
sideration with the result that the ex-
changes here might be slowed down
appreciably.
Between "Blg Three"
So far as the Washington end of the
situation is concerned the problem is
regarded as having narrowed down to
direct and personal exchanges among
the naval .'big three'-Secretary
Hughes, Mr.. Balfour and Baron Kato |
The committee Of naval experts will
be available, of course, if further ques-
tions of fact have to be worked out, |
but that possibility seems remote. The
questions of policy must be decided by
the plenipotentiaries themselves and |
the '.big three" constitute the inner
circle of authority among them
In side-line discussions Thursday |
there were further suggestions that |
the question of naval bases and forti-
fications in the Pacific might find a
place Of growing prominence in the
naval ratiGing. As far as officials
have announced Japan has not yet
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