Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-12-30
Restriction Is Blocked
from Page One)

ern discussions before the conference
remained at a standstll during the
day except for an intimation from
the Japanese that only mediation by
the United States and Great Britain
could save the Shantung negotia
tons from final deadlock. 1t was
declared both for the japanese and
Chinese that their governments had
gone as far as possible toward a
compromise, and hope of settlement
was seen only in the possibility that
some new clement could be injected
into the conversations.
There were indications that the
naval experts of the various powers
were far from an agreement on the
proposal that airplane carriers be
limited. and all the foreign delega-
tions were waiting on further in
structions as to the American pro-
posal to establish 10000 tons as the
maximum size for any auxiliary
warship. There also was a halt on
remaining details of the capital ship
agreement itself, a proposed meeting
of experts to work out a replacement
chart being postponed until later in
the week.
So far as the capital ship question
is concerned, all the delegations ap-
pear to regard it as good as settled,
although several details remain to be
discussed and no draft of treaty
cmbodying the agreement has been
prepared. France has accepted, sub
, ject to a reservation which she has
not yet fully explained, so that con-
siderable discussion may take place
before even that part of the work of
the conference is ready for final ap-
proval.
In regard to still another confer
ence problem generally considered as
settled-the new four power Pacific
treaty-there were signs tonight of
revived discussion among the dele
gates, because of the suggestion of
Japan that some action be taken to
clarity the scope of the agreement
in it's relation to the major islands
of the Japanese empire. Baron Shide-
hara, of the japanese delegation, af-
ter a discussion of the subject with
Secretary Hughes, took the Japanese
request to Arthur J. Balfour. head of
the British, and it was said after
ward. that some definite Qualification
scheme might be brought forward
formally in the near future.
In view of the difference of opinion
on the treatys scope between Pres
ident Harding and the American
delegation. the Japanese thing there
at least should be an exchange of
formal notes among the four powers
setting forth the meaning of the pact
beyond dispute.
They are said to desire that the
main Japanese group of islands be
not included. under the treaty. but
on the other hand. the British desire
that Australia and New Zealand
shall be within it's scope.
Although the senate is not In ses-
sion echoes of the proposed fight on
ratification of the four power agree
ment continue to reach the delegates.
In formal statement today, Senator
King, Democrat, Utah, referred to the
treaty and set forth summary of
what he called the monumental fall
ures" of the Washington negotia-
tons. The ratification fight also was
discussed during the day between
Senator Borah, Utah, Republican,
Idaho. leady of the nti-treaty
forces. and Joseph p. Tumulty, for
mer secretary to Woodrow Wilson. in
a conference which attracted wide
attention and gave impetus to specl-
lation as to what attitude may be
taken by the former president.
Thus far, no intimation of Mr..
Wilson's opinion of the treaty, or
other conference issues has figured in
conference circles. 1t is known.
however, that he has taken a keen
interest in all that has transpired,
and some of his friends are said to
believe that he may in some way