The New York herald., 1921-11-28
China's Troubles Are Being
Remedied by Powers in
Practical Manner.
ARMY DECISION DOUBTED
Delegates Much Interested in
Presidents Proposal for
Association of Nations.
nv A. MAURICE Low.

correspondent OF the London Morning Post
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, d. c., Nov. ~.
| "A review of the second week of the
conference shows that unmistakable
progress has been made and an even
| stronger feeling of confidence in the
successful outcome exists among those
men who are taking the leading part
There have been fluctuations OF
course. as for instance, NJ. BRAND
asked for assurances and received
assuming the attitude Of a strong
nation. talked rather boastfully; but
these incidents have not interfered
with the advance that has been made.
| The purpose OF this conference, to
bring about the reduction of naval arna-
ments and the stabilization of the Far
East to insure peace. 1t is believed by
the delegates Of the Powers more vitality
affected will be attained.
The position of the Powers in regard
to China has now through private con-
versations been made known to them
selves as well as to China. They are
benevolently disposed toward China,
ready in every way to assist her not
only for her own sake, but because q
strong. self-reliant and responsible China
is in the interest Of the whole world.
Leading Men Are Optimistic.
1t is this realization Of the situation
as 1t to-day exists that makes the few
men whose opinions are really worth
anything take an optimistic view.
Dealing with China is always diff
cult matter because of the necessity OF
saving the face of Chinese statesmen
and deferring to Chinese mental tradi-
ton, SO that the public opinion of China,
I such as II Is, can be induced to believe
yielding to pressure Ia victory. China
has been told that the Powers will put
her on probation and II she CEN work
her own destiny the future Is in her own
hands.
AS an illustration, take extraterri-
| toriality. The Powers are willing to re-
! iinquish judicial control over their ma
tionals whenever 1t can be safely done,
| and have SO told China. The Chinese
say this is not satisfactory, it is merely
a vague promise so long as there are
/ consular courts in China her sovereignty
! is infringed and II the Powers are Gin
/ cere in their afflrmations OF desiring to
bring about the administrative integrity
| of China they will at once abolish their
courts.
This. however, is merely facesaving !;
/ H. IS only the ornaments and decora-
! t.one on the scroll. 1t is the same with
other matters. The moro progressive
and intelligent among the Chinese do
not want extraterritoriality surrendered
at present any more than they would
welcome abandonme mt Of British control
| over the customs or the French manage
ment of the post ONCE but this super
vision of her own affairs China can have
when she has proved her capacity. is
she capable of Government without out
| side assistance? The Chinese say yes.
and foreigners doubt 1t II is for China
to redeem her promises by deeds, and
meantime the Powers will maintain their
vigilance. To this the Powers have
agreed, so that another great principle
has been accepted.
Naval situation Unsettled.
! The naval details are stiil in the
hands OF the experts. No insurmount-
able obstacles have been encountered.
but there will have to be certain modi-
fcations and rearrangements. THE NEW
YORK HERALD 10 with great ability con-
Quoting vigorous campaign against
| the submarine, poison gas and the re-
| striction or the airpfane TO its legitimate
use. Much ns public opinion supports
THE NEW York HERALD, the influence
of the navy Will be powerful enough TO
| retain the submarine and the best We
! can hope for Is o. slight reduction in au-
thorized tonnage
Experts are divided as 10 the legiti-
macy of airpiane attack ON unfortified
cities. On the theory that anything that
destroys the morale OF a people or en-
dangers government is legitimate
| bombing Is defended, and while 1t Is
I admitted that the noncombatant Is often
the more numerous victim. tho parallel
| is cited of the blockade, which often In
| fiicts greater suffering on the young
and the aged than the armies in tn,
| field.
ThA Japsnese still maintain a stiff
offensive for the retention OF the Mutsu,
which would mean general increase OF
naval ratio, brit diplcmatists recognize
diplomacy when they zee It. and respect
rather than fear Jnpnn's strategy. The
Mutsu gives the Japanese a certain
diplomatic advantage, and while its re-
teption means much to them both ma
( teriaily ana from sentiment. obviously
they could afford to sacrifice 1t " the
! Americans agreed not 10 fortify their
Pacific possessions. which Is only one
! of several thlnss that could ba thrown
into the scale against tho Mutsu.
Land armaments have only been
cursorily considered; IL is admittedly q
thorny question, and the probabilities
are no decision will be reached. II has
been announced through the usual chan
nels OF official publicity that the Presi-
dent hopes that out OF this conference
will be formed an association OF nations
which. In effect would bo League of Ma
tions under another name.
The announcement greatly interests
tho foreign delegates and newspaper cor
respondents. who regard II az another
bombshell. IL is. however. only re-
affirmation OF tho Presidents we'll known
view on August ~ lest ] stated Il was
the Presidents aspiraiion that the con-
ference would reach an agreement and
with this agreement ms n foundation
there might be established principles
among the nations that would remove
Observation-Disclosures and make II easier
for the peace Of the world TO be kcpt