The New York herald., 1921-12-02
Nippon Withholds Assent to
Naval Ratio Though
Approving 1t.
CHINA DEALS TO BE OPEN
Delegates Hold First Meeting
on Dispute Involving
Peninsula.
Special Despatch 10 THE New YORK HERALD.

New York Herald Bureau
Washington. ID. c., Dec. 1.
| The problem Of Shantung. the di-
rect issue between Japan and China,
entered the armament conference to-
day despite efforts to eliminate 1t from
the agenda.
It is now clearly recognized that
Shantung represents all of the issues
in the Far Eastern question. which is
involved directly In the matter of limi-
tation of armament, because the
American delegation is determined
that nothing shall be decided regard
ing armaments unless there is salts
factory agreement In the Far East.
1t was thought yesterday that the
Japanese had scored In having COM
PEELED consideration of the Shantung
question by the representatives of Japan
and China. In a sense the Japanese
were the victors. but It was apparent
to-day that their victory was Pyrrhic.
Spokesman for. the American delega-
tion made 1t plain that the results OF
the direct consideration OF the Shantuns
question by the Japanese and Chinese
would have to be reported to the con-
ference. This makes 1t impossible for
Japan to impose any condition on China
which shall be concealed from the vision
ing Judgment Of the world.
1t became clear also that Japan has
failed to take into consideration Ameri-
| can public opinion. The opinion is
anxiously inclined toward the pro-
gramme of Secretary Hughes for a iirni-
tation Of ornaments. 1t has been plain
all along that japan would accept the
American naval reduction proposal and
| that seeming objection to It was based
Oh The hope Of being able to trade II In
for better terms in the Far Eastern set
tlement
Japan Misjudges. America.
Up to the last few days American
| public opinion has been inclined to ac-
cept the Japanese proposals as indica-
! tive of their desire to fit In with gener-
ally accepted world demands. Failure of
the Japanese delegation to accept the
ratio of existing strength as the yard
stick for the limitation of naval arrna-
ments has caused American public opin-
ion to veer from this conclusion.
| AS tho negotiations relative to Shan
tung have developed II has become
palmer that the Japanese delegation is
aiming to ask greater concessions In the
Far East II 1t yields to the American
| idea in the ratio OF capital ships. This
expectation of q bartering basis Is predi-
Gated on assumption by the Japanese
that the Harding Administration Is COM
mitted to the programme for the limita-
ton Of armaments and that public opin-
ion in this country would not justify
failure Of the arms programme on the
ground that Far Eastern settlements are
not satisfactory.
information from the American dele
ration shows that nothing could be fur
ther from the truth. The American dele
cation earnestly and sincerely desires
limitation of arrraments. But II knows
that Il would be futile to leave the germs
| of future wars in the Far East. Inc
American delegation IL prepared TO ac-
cent the alternative OF competitive buiid-
Ing and II IL we'll known here that
Jaran cannot meet that comretition.
Earon Kato. heac OF the Japanese
delegation. admitted tonight there was
no deadlock In the negotiations con-
cerning naval ratio. This adds to the be-
lief that japan Is blocking an agree
rneni in the hone OF getting concessions
| in the Far East
Japan is expressing friendly feelings
toward China. Failure to put these ex
rressiors into action prompts the sug
eestion that japan is aiming at maiute'
nance of her position OF aggrandize
rnent In Manchuria ana eastern innei
Mongolia. While these isyres are beinf
discussed Japan failt TO agree to the
naval ratio with the evident intention
OF yielding eventually. provided thu
proper degree OF concessions are ex
.1koa tr eha T-uv a