Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-12-05
ENJOYS Want
China TO SHOW
RIGHT TORULE
Doubt Whether Pekin Gov
ernment Can Guarantee
Protection of Foreigners
DELEGATES TO REST
Shantung Negotiations Will be Con-
tinued But Naval Ratio Question
Deferred.

China cannot win either economic
or territorial freedom at the present
armament conference. The reason
for this, however, rests in Pekin, not
in Washington. The great powers
now assembled admit publicly their
sympathy for China's aspirations.
They have announced willingness
to surrender at least portion of
rights guaranteed them by China or
acquired as the result of war claims
against that country. But-and here
lies the obstacle toward China achiev-
ing her ambition now, there are the
gravest doubts in every delegation
represented at the present conference
regarding the present Chinese gov
ernment's ability to protect foreign
lives and property within her
borders.
This was made very plain by Sec
rotary Hughes last Friday when ne
stopped an extended argument by
Minister SEE by declaring that, after
all, the real fact before the confer
ence was the internal strength Of the
Chinese government. That was the
situation again on Saturday when the
Pacific and Far Eastern committee,
after listening to offers Of surrender
of territory by France, Great Britain
and Japan-offers made under
strictest reserve-adjourned to fur
ther consider the matter next We'd
nesday.
There will be no business session
Of the conference until Wednesday.
Arthur J. Brlfour and the members
of. tn. British delegat;ar:yhave gone
/ to New Tof&itG paltiSpa@s.; in d ce.ses.
bration in their honor there. Sena-
tor Sarraut and members OF the
French mission have gone to Niagara
Falls for brief rest. Other dele
gates have slipped out of town for
brief visits.
Only the Shantung negotiations
will continue in the interim. They
arc outside of the conference pro-
gram and are being discussed direct
" by the representatives Of China
and japan. Two American and two
British observers are sitting in to
help if possible. But they can do
nothing toward an agreement unless
they are asked to say something by
the principals.
Japan will surrender all rights
acquired from Germany in the Shan
tung peninsula excepting the rail-
road. She wants Kiaochou inter-
nationalized. And on the railroad the
japanese desire control by mixed
commission from both nations. The
Chinese have refused this. But there
is general discussion in progress on
the merits of the case. While nc
definite advance has been made, the
fact that the discussions still continue
is hopeful sign in the opinion OF
diplomats here.
Meanwhile there will be no further
developments for few days regard
ing the naval ratio. The japanese
, have the decision of Iessrs. Hughes
and Balfour before them. 1t was
cablcd to Tokyo Friday night. 1t is
expected to be acceptable to Japan
but only after the pressing Far East
ern problems are sufficiently advanc-
ed to show that Japan has carried the
points necessary to allow her dele.
gates to return home with q diplo.
matte victory that will offset the
feelings of chagrin that necessarily
will overwhelm all Japan when it is
realized that she has subscribed to q
naval program that keeps her in
third position among world powers.