The New York herald., 1921-11-21

tention of the conference. One is pro-
posed by the delegation representing
the Pekin Government OF China, the
other a rather more general and in
definite statement of the views of
Japan regarding the scope Of confer
ence undertakings it believes should
prevail in the consideration of Far
Eastern affairs.
The Pekin proposal is couched in
concrete and specific terms. The
Japanese rejoinder in vague and to
some extent ambiguous phrases that
up to date have resisted comprehensive
analysis. The key to the Japanese
formula is contained in one clause of
the statement made by Baron Kato
TO the Far Eastern committee yester-
day, which reads: "All that this con-
ference can achieve is, 1t seems to
us, to adjust China's foreign relations.
leaving her domestic situation to be
worked out by themselves"
Well informed observers interpret
this statement to mean that the rep
resentatives of Japan will urge the
respect of the conference for accom-
plished facts" and pending negotia-
tions which Japan is trying to conduct
with the Pekin Government for the
emancipation of Shantung. and the
official adjustment by Japan herself
of the situation in Siberia. which are
held to be within the scope Of "domes-
tic situations"
Would simplify Settlement.
II the Japanese view is accepted by
the conference the work of ironing
out Far Eastern complications will
be brief simple and easy to accom-
pIish. But there is every reason to
believe that the Japanese view will
not prevail, and that sooner or later
the discussion of Asiatic and Pacific
matters must of necessity involve di-
rect issues between the representa-
tives of Japan and the delegates rep
resenting this country and per-
spectively those of four European ma
tions.
tives Of this country, in moving toward
the clearing up of Far Eastern COM
plications that Japan should have the
fullest opportunity to meet every issue
raised by China or the United States.
This desire is predicated on the belief
that the most candid discussion of
specific causes for Asiatic uncer-
tainties will result in the removal Of
pie of Japan and those of China and
finally produce benefits to both.
The attitude OF Japan IN approach
ing situation that is admittedly deli
cate and fraught with potential danger
to the interests of both Japan and
China is variously viewed by the dele
gates who attempt to hold an i'm
partial view OF the problems involved.
There is the fullest justification in
the statement that the representatives
of this country will invite public dis
cussion Of the Far Eastern issues
without attempting to arbitrarily i'm
pose its own views upon the repre-
sentatives Of either japan or China.
That in fact is the policy OF this Gov
ernment In dealing with every phase
of conference deliberations.
Widest Latitude Between.
II any doubt exists on this point i.
probably will be cleared up by a frank
ytatement Of the American purpose to
koncede to every Power the widest
htitude In presenting facts and fig
bres which may justify the change
br modification Of any plan presented
tor the limitation Of naval armaments,
bhe provision of adequate land arma-
ments and the adjustment OF Far
Eastern problems.
No such announcement is needed to
inform the representatives of most
of the foreign Powers on this point
because they fully appreciate the
simple plan prepared by Mr. Hughes
and his associates for the accomplish
ment of the great reforms they have
IN mind Hence, IL japan. can Justify
its position that the conference could
limit It's activities to the adjustment
OF China's foreign relations in such a
way as to convince the people OF the
world that such a course is the most
desirable the delegates of this country
and from most Of the European ma
tions will frankly concede the fact.
That which is true of Far Eastern
conference undertakings also applies
to the matter Of naval and land arma-
ments. The difference in the method
of approaching any of the issues is
largely a matter of national practice.
and custom. The delegates from this
country have displayed the utmost re-
spect and consideration for the equal
privileges of the other eight nations
associated with II in the international
convention.
The marked point in difference be-
tween the methods favored by It and
those usually employed by some Of the
others is that the American delegates
are really justified in publicly making
known their position on every i'm
portant point so that the people of
this country will be fully informed as