Evening star., 1921-08-28
BY HENRY w. BUM.

Copyright. 1921. BY The Washington star.)
~ HE following is q brief summary Of the
most important news Of the world for
the seven days ended August 81:
THE WASHINGTON coNFERENCE--An
of the powers formally invited to participate
in the Washington conference have accepted,
with the exception Of Italy. Japans note of
acceptance is especially cordial. but its perfec-
tion is somewhat marred by the following:
THE Japanese government gladly concur
in the proposal Of the United States that the
scope of the discussion Of Pacific and far east
ern problems shall be made the subject of a
free exchange Of views prior to the assembly
of the conference They hope that the agenda
of the conference will in this way be arranged
in harmony with the suggestion made In the
memorandum Of the Japanese ministry Of for
eign affairs of July 26. 1921, bearing on the
same subject in order that the labors Of the
conference may meet speedily with the fullest
measure of successful achievement"
The suggestion referred to is as follows: I'm
order to insure the success Of the conference.
the Japanese government deem it advisable
that introduction into the agenda Of problems
such as are of sole concern to certain particu-
lar powers or such matters as may be regarded
as accomplished facts should be scrupulously
avoided"
We must continue to wonder what precisely
are these matters which should be scrupulous-
ly avoided" and how far the usefulness of the
conference will be impaired should Japan's
wishes concerning such avoidance be complied
with An Associated Press report from Japan
states that Japan Is studying the advisability
Of proposing international standing council
for the guidance and development of China"
Spheres of influence, all existing arrangements
which traverse Chinese sovereignty. would be
abolished. Every effort would be made to unite
north and south. Mere gossip or rumor doubt
less; but suggestive.
X X \ X
IRELAND.-Mr. De Valera has written to
Lloyd George informing him that the dali
eireann has by unanimous vote rejected the pro-
posals of the British government. He proposes
negotiation for a peace ION the basis of the
broad guiding principle of government by the
consent of the governed" This is sufficiently
vague and will doubtless be construed by many
as leaving the way open to acceptance Of a
dominion status terms still more generous
than any hitherto offered. 1t may possibly be
significant that the word republic" is not
used in the note.
Lloyd George replied at once, reciting once
more the reasons why I'VE (the British gov-
ernment) can discuss settlement which in
wolves refusal on the part of Ireland to
cept our invitation to free. equal and loyal
partnership in the British commonwealth under
sovereign.
Il am reluctant to precipitate this issue.
but just point out that a prolongation Of the
present state of affairs is dangerous. Action
IL
continued. would prejudice the truce and must
ultimately lead to its termination This would
indeed be deplorable.
while therefore prepared to make every
allowance to time which will advance the
cause Of peace. we cannot prolong a mere K
change Of notes. 1t is essential that some def
mite and immediate progress should be made to-
ward a basis upon which further negotiations
can usefully proceed. Your letter seems to us,
unfortunately. to show no such progress.
In this and my previous letters I have set
forth the considerations which must govern the
attitude of his majesty's government in any
negotiations which they undertake. II you are
prepared to examine how far these consfdera-
tions can be reconciled with the aspirations
you represent. shall be happy to,meet you and
your colleagues" . y
1t seems obvious that. as the week ends, the
Irish situation is at a very delicate crisis. 1t
may be deserving Of note that Lloyd George
does not explicitly state that the British gov
ernment will make no further concessions.