The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-12-10

denIHRVOn, BecemDer 9.-Ine
and France all have agreed in pril
posed as a substitute for the Anglo
The next step. an agreement on
specific terms, is regarded among
the plenipotentiaries as only a ques-
ton Of hours. It is to be followed
by an early session of the arms con-
ference. at which the new inter
national concord will be formally an
nouncsd to the world.
Already the task of drafting the
treaty into final form Is well ad-
vancsd. The text Is brief. providing
In direct terms for abrogation OF the
alliance and for 'cooling-off' pro-
cess should war be threatened over
questions OF the Pacific islands. The
details yet TO be settled are said to
involve only minor considerations.
Tt as the expectation of some of
tho delegates that the coming
pleuary session also will see a
publicly announced agreement
between the United States, Great
Eritatn nnd Japan ON the "6-6-s1
n>tvai ratio. Japan has not yet
asseuted to IT, but her cabinet in
sitting in Toxic with an apparent
prospect of favorable action.
A third element of the Washington
negotiations. the separate parts of
which have become intertwined as
the time for the momentous decision
arrives. also has been advanced to q
point where the attitude of each In
terested delegation is well under
stood. This element involves future
Notifications In the Pacific and in
formal discussions OF 1t have estab-
lished the status quo as an ac-
ceptable basis OF agreement.
Chinese Problem
where remains only the chance of
a serious controversy over the prob
lens of China as a possible barrier
to a far-reaching understanding in
which the national spokesman can
come together on all the major points
at issue hero. With the sealing of
such an understanding, the rest
would become a matter of detail.
Most OF the principal delegates be-
lieve they could go home by the end
of the year and leave the specific
terms of the several remaining
agreements to be worked out by spe-
Sldt COMMISSIONS.
Indications have not been lacking
that Japan might want to delay final
action on the four-power treaty and
the naval ratio until the devious
problems Of China and the far east
have reached stage where they be
brought into a general roundup.
Despite much talk and the adoption
of many resolutions. such questions
as Shantung and the Japanese leases
in Manchuria remain unsettled
Whether this Is to delay the agree
ments now near contamination Is
question only Toxic can answer. 1t
is the belief OF Washington that it
viii not.
Old Troubles
Outcropping of the old troubles of
the orient have been apparent more
than once since the question of a new
deal for China came before the con-
ference. At today's session OF the
Shantung negotiations Japan agreed
to give up the public utilities OF
Kiao- Chow, but made the concession
conditional on reference of some
points to Toxic. A chinese deiega-
ton pointed out that although nomi-
nally the conversations had made
much progress. strings have been
tied" 10 almost all the decisions.
OOtI14VhSSo tAoS ny lie SAail1o VI
Japan and constantly conscious of
the counter pressure of the Chinese
people. the representatives OF the
Pe<in government have found them
selves In q position of increasing
delicacy. Their task has not been
easier by the presence here of act
i've representatives of the rival gov
eminent of Canton. Outwardly both
the Chinese and Japanese have de-
clared their optimism over the Shan
tung situation. but neither group
minimizes the difficulties that lie In
the way Of an agreement.
Another point of serious Disagree
ment as yet practically untouched by
the conference Is Manchuria. So.
some Of the Japanese at least, are
said to feel that their government
should not move hastily to scrap her
warships and her alliance with Great
Britain until she has seen clearly
what In to be the outcome of the
washington deliberations on the far
east.
The feeling here, nevertheless.
was one Of almost universal agree
ment tonight that the Japanese cab
met would be willing to accept the
as establishing the good faith of the
other governments in attempting a
just solution of the far eastern tan
gle. The outcome of the cabinet
meeting probably will be known here
by tomorrow, and on the strength of
their hopes the conference officials
are preparing to call the delegates
quickly into plenary session. While
these events are shaping toward q
conclusion only the spokesman. of the
foreign governments will give any
glimpse of their own policies and in
tentions. The Americans are saying
nothing. although they are taking
an active part in the drafting Of the
four-power treaty and the exchanges
on naval ratio. Repeated questions
put to Secretary Hughes have not
vet ELECTED an admission that the
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