The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1921-11-18
OLD WORLD
DIPLOMACY
IN SADDLE.
Many Differences Exist Among
Delegations As To Naval
Policy
BY GEORGE r. HOLMES

BY GEORGE r. HOLMES
tsTAFF CORRESPONDENT /. N. sERvIcEJ
| WASHINGTON. Nov 1s.-The thick
haze Of old world diplomacy settled
down like a blanket today over the
activities Of the armament confer
ence. The pace has been fast since
the meeting opened six days ago an /
| things have moved with swiftacss
never before equalled in international
| gatherings of such vast importance.
| The illness Of Baron shdehara. Ths
| Japanese ambassador and ono OF
| Japans principal delegates. AFFORDED
respite from the almost constant
contact OF the diplomats for the past
| week. The Baron's indisposition
| forced a postponement Of the sched-
uled meeting of the full nine powers
at which was to be taken up China
declaration Of independence.
ADMIRAHs COMMITTEE MEETS.
Delegation meetings ana the con-
tinued session OF the "committee ~
admirals" considering the application
| Of the Hughes naval program. Were On
todays program.
There were Indications today that
the visiting diplomats rather welcenl-
ed the respite afforded by the japanese
AMBASSADORS Illness. 1t AFFORDS thon
| an opportunity for a general checking
up.
Chinas ambitious plan for her re-
hahilitation is one that requires daeg
study. Thus far. from tho cautious
utterances Of the spokesmen for tha
various powers. The powers have re-
oeived the Chinese proposals as FOL
lows:
The United states-tzenera, approval
of the entire program.
The British Empire-Cautious ap-
proval Of most OF the program 'in
principle" And q willingness TO ac-
cept the program as a basis for dis
cussion. Great Britain is believed
willing to relinqulsh Wei-Hei-Wci.
But is understood to be staunchly op-
posed to giving up Hong-Kong.
FRANCE INTERESTS NOT VITAL.
France-Willine 70 fall IN Tine
with any general policy agreed upon
for the far east. Her interests not
being as vitaI as those Of Great
Britain and Japan, would ha willing
TO give UP Kaoung Tcheou ard extra
territorial rights in common with
other nations.
Japan-Cautious acceptance Of the
proposals las a basis for discussion
Is understood to be reconciled to Civ
ing UP Shantung. But is prepared to
resist efforts to dislodge her in Mon
golia and Manchuria. Also insists
that her geographical propinquity en-
titles her to special consideration" in
China as regards obtaining raw ma
terials. outlet for excess in popula-
ton. etc.
Italy-Having no particular inter
ests in China, aside from financial IN
terests. is willing TO follow the lead
Of other powers, and inclines toward
the altruistic policy of the United
States.
NAVAL PROPOSALS TIP.
While the diplomats pondered
China's case within their own quar-
ters today. The naval experts con-
tinued to struggle with the naval
Progress has not been rapid in the
adjustment of the conflicting views Of
American, japanese and British
perts. On the contrary. there were
anmistakable indications today that
little has been in reality accomplished.
The American experts are steadfast-
ly insisting upon the terms laid down
in the Hughes program. The esti-
mates were made with such care, the
Americans contend, that no room was
left for trading"
Briefly summarized, the Japanese
and British objections are:
JAPAN's CLAIMS.
Japan-Believes she is entitled to
seventy per cent strength in capital
ships. instead of sixty. Also believes
that in certain auxiliary ships she is
entitled to practical equality with
Great Britain and America.
Great Britain-Objects to the Amer
lean submarine proposals and the aux
iliary ship allowance, particularly in
light cruisers Is understood to be
bN1
day proposal after first objecting.
1t was learned today that pro-
gress at all has been made in adjust
ing the divergent British and American
views concerning submarines.
The British experts, keenly recol-
lecting the havoc wrought by German
submarines during the war on her vast
merchant marine. want the Hughes
submarine program cut exactly In
half and the complete abolition Of
the giant cruiser submarines Of the
"Deutschland' type. The British con-
tend that such weapons are 'inhu-
man"
I. :. CHARGES INCoNSISTENCy.
The Americans also keenIy recol-
iecting British vulnerability to sub
marines. contend that America n@s
conceded British preponderance in
capital ships and that equal subma
rine tonnage is necessary to equalise
he fleets In fighting efficiency. They
figure that a good submarine defense
offsets the British superiority in othef
vessels. The American experts also
say that the British opposition is in
consistent regarding the inhumanity
aspect Of the matter. As Britain
wants to bar submarines because os
their "inhumauity" but is not so
soIicitous concerning the "inhumanity"
or aircraft that also might be used as
a weapon to attack defenseless towns
and cities.
Japanese experts are understood 70
be "on the fence" between the two
submarine viewpoints. The J~paneso
are inclined 20 favor the AnLaIican
submarine program. For they. too.
have long coast lines to defend. But
they are also inclined to side with
the British as a matter OF general