The New York herald., 1921-11-17
London Editor Sees Japan as
Prepared to Withdraw
Conditionally.
SEES GOOD WILL PREVAIL
Confident Of Open Path to Full
Ter Collaboration of Eng
lish Speaking Nations.
BY H. WICKHAM STEED.
Editor Of the London Times.

Editor Of the London Times.
Copyright. 1921. By United Netps.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16.-The commit
tee on Far Eastern questions began its
deliberations to-day. There seems to
be distinct possibility that these ques-
tions. which looked menacing before the
conference opened. may now. in the Sc
rener atmosphere created by Mr..
Hughes's speech, prove more susceptible
to satisfactory adjustment. Indeed. no
surprise would be felt in well Informed
quarters were the main work of the con-
ference be completed by or before the
end Of the year
A belief is gaining ground that the
soundest method would be to secure an
agreement on the limitation Of naval
armaments and on outstanding Far
Eastern issues during the conference
and to reserve other issues not immedi-
ately soluble for subsequent treatment
In the spirit Of trust and good will
which the conference will have engen-
dered
In the minds Of the American people
the outstanding issues are. first, the
limitation Of naval armament: second,
the suppression in accordance with II of
the Anglo-Japanese alliance, and, third,
the question Of Shantung. The success
Of the conference on the first issue may
now be confidently predicted. Success
on the second issue also seems likely.
On the third issue various statements
emanating from authoritative Japanese
quarters suggest readiness on the part
OF Japan to withdraw from Shantung
and the leased territory of Kiao-Chau,
provided that Great Britain likewise
withdraw from the leased territory of
Wei-Hai-Wei. situated in the province
of Shantung. Exponents of Japanese
views announce further that Japan de-
sirses neither an annexation nor a pro-
tectorate over Manchuria, but a recog-
milton Of the principle that she has spe-
cial interests there. based on considera-
tions OF neighborhood and on her rail-
way and other investments.
The siberian Problem.
In regard to Siberia. japan Is alleged
to desire a recognition OF the principle
of peaceful penetration for purposes OF
trade and commerce, and to be ready
to complete the withdrawal Of Japanese
forces when there shall be organized In
the Russian far eastern Maritime prov.
ince and in Siberia, stable governmen,
qualified to give protection to japanese
subjects.
On the question Of China, Japanese
views appear to be less definite, though
they seem to aim at the acceptance b,
China OF four power censortium, whose
object 1t would be to conduct Chinese
foreign loans, and to establish public
services. with the help of Chinese capi
tai. under such control and supervision
on the part Of the consortium as woult
obviate wasteful or corrupt misapplica.
tion of funds.
The business Of the conference 4
naturally not confined to the plenary
sessions and the committee meetings
Conversations between the leading mem
bers of the various delegations are bein,
actively pursued Wednesday, for in
stance. NJ. BRAND and Mr.. Balfour me
privately. One subject of discussion be
tween them Will doubtless be the ques
tion of land armaments. to which Mr.
Balfour alluded on Tuesday.
There Is some uncertainty as to tn,
precise meaning Of his suggestion tha
land armaments would need "to b,
dealt with by other schemes and In othe,
ways" Whether the allusion was to an
other conference on land armaments-
which seems fmprobable--or to tn,
prospect that, II naval armaments are
limited, France alone will fail to prof
by the reduction of expenditure, or T.
the expediency Of making some provis
ion for the security of France agains
hypothetical aggression. 1t is at presen
impossible to discover.
Chasing No Chimeras.
Nevertheless. the hope is entertained
In many quarters that means NAV b,
found in the near future to enabl,
France to take a position In the fore.
front of the conference which, partl,
from force of circumstances and partly
through the unfamiliarity of some Of
her delegates with the Washington at
mosphere. she has not hitherto beer
able fully to secure.
At all events. 1t Is well that the di-
mensions Of the whole problem of Civ.
ing greater security to the world should
have been. albeit by implication, indl
Gated to the American people in Mr.
not on that account begin to chas,
chimeras or seek to embrace allurint
phantoms. II Will remain, I believe, ar
eminently sane and practical gathering
and will draw from the ideallsm that un-
questionably inspires the bulk of tn,
delegates, strength rapidly to achlev,
the main purposes for which 1t was con
vened
This achievement will be to the last.
ing credit of American statesmen ant
Of the American people. The representa-
tives of the British Empire can orly
associate themselves gratefully witt
the American initiative, reluctantly sug
gesting criticisms or emendations
when imperative British interests re
quire them. but comforted by the expec.
tation that the gradual removal OF some
of the past impediments to mutual com
prehension between the English speaking
nations may open path toward fuller
and more constant collaboration in pro
noting the tranquility and the prosper
ity Of a ravaged world.