The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-11-20


being censured for talking too much
IL an exaggeration Of the fact that,
not only In the American case, but In
that of other countries also. II ID
naturally the naval and military men
who object to the concessions OF their
particular government. 1t has been
made clear that such officials will
have no voice whatever In final de-
cisions. All they are asked to give ID
tatives of the nation can work out
the principle agreed upon.
Nothing is clearer than that the
armament agreement Is to be in no
sense reflection or naval opinion.
The Japanese statement about the
Chinese proposals undoubtedly came
as q disappointment to many people,
since a rumor had gone around that
II was to 20 into detail. However, the
method actually followed was one
that was agreed upon several days
ago, when 1t was decided best that
the various delegations should express
themselves generally at this meeting.
after which the subcommittee, con-
aisting of the nine heads OF delega-
tions, would be in q better position
TO outline study in detail of the Ques'
tions raised by China.
Chinese arc Uneasy.
Apart from some disappointment
that more was not stated, the only
specific criticism was on the Jap.
anse point that not too much detail
should be gone into. While this ex-
preston can be interpreted In a harm
less sense there 10 no use concealing
the fact that many OF the Chinese fear
1t may cover q desire to get out OF
the whole situation with few pious
generalities.
1t was pointed out by the cynical
that IL the conference should end with
q few respunding phrases on the
Chinese question the American Admit.
istration would have scored its main
political advantage In the popular re-
ception to its armament program. and
might be glad to let the other Ques-
ton remain In the realm of words. 1
do not share this analysis OF the
american Intention, but record the
impression as one Of the outstanding
facts.
Mr.. Balfour spoke with his usuai
cryptic skill. He said that there was
no use talking further about ques-
lions ''of general ORDER" as "all
these principles have been formula
ted over and over again" by the gov
eminent which he represented. Tho
implication seemed to be that he would
save his voice until the crowd should
get down to brass tacks.
Baron de Cartier, speaking for
Belgium, apart from general pleas
antness, spoke for support Of the
action of the government" presum-
ably meaning the central govern
ment at Pekin. He also spoke OF
Belgian business interests in China
and said China would not work out
her liberty successfully unless OPP
portunities for investment by for
eigners were maintained.
The spokesman of France, Holland
Italy, and Portugal did not go be-
yond the general expressions OF good
will
Japan Will Give In.
Japan's statement aroused much
more interest, naturally than the
others Next to the point I have
already quoted. about not going too
much into detail, most attention was
paid to the frank words: I'VE look to
China in particular for the supply
of raw materials essential to our In
dustrial life ana for foodstuffs as
well In the purchase of such ma
terials from China. as In all our trade
relations with that country. we do
not claim any special rights or
Japan's final difficulty in regard to
China is known to me and IL not dis
connected with the story / told yes
terday about the discussion going on
in the Japanese delegation about re-
questing an open session for the
statement of the Japanese case.
Her final difficulty is not what will
be done in China by other govern
ments, but by the capitalists of other
countries. She forsees that an agree
ment along the lines of the Chinese
points, backed by the United States.
is going to be reached. She is not
going to hold out. The strange hold
of foreign governments on China Is
going to be shaken off, and shaken off
with Japan's consent.
But what about The strangle hold OF
big organizations of private capital?
What bothers japan, which has not
developed similar combinations, Is our
old friend the European syndicate or
the American trust.
World Court Possible.
Her money is invested by the gov
lrnment, or in combipation with the
government. The new arrangement
will stop that. Then Japan, being next
door, would still have an advantage,
II she had big trusts, which could go
in and bride their way to the latest
concessions. But II 1t is all reduced
to private bribery and private enter
prise. with governmental activity
strictly barred. she thinks the willy
Credentials will skin her alive.
The only answer thus far suggested
Ia some kind of oversight to limit the
stunts that private capital can per-
form at the expense of the Chinese.
This aspect Of the inside negotiations
il now in it's early stages, but atten-
l. x<A 81.
sibility of court. in which China her
self will be represented, as well as
the principal foreign nations. When
this solution of the difficulty is pub
licly suggested the country to make
the suggestion will be China.
The following is the text Of Baron
Katos statement:
81. 1t seems to the Japanese dele
CATION that existing difficulties in
China lie no less in her domestic
situation than in her external rela-
ton. We are anxious 10 see peace