Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-12-12
Acceptance Of 5-5-3 Plan at
Tomorrow's Plenary Ses-
sion Looked for by Many
FOUR POWER TREATY
Interest Taken by Senate Holds In
terest-China Agreement Also Be-
lieyed Near.

Washington, Dec. 12.-Fast work
is expected in the arms conference
beginning tomorrow-fast even IN
comparison with the work that has
been done in the last four weeks.
There will be general disappolnt-
ment if the 5-5-3 naval ratio plan Is
not agreed upon formally very soon,
and many expect the agreement lore
cast by Secretary Hughes as to China
to be developed by the end of the week.
While the japanese delegation still
assumes thoughtful expressions Wnen
the naval ratio plan is mentioned II
is almost. literally true that no one
following the conference has any
doubt about the japanese acceptance.
1t is the general opinion that the tor-
NAL acceptance will come just as soon
as other matters are in shape salts
factory to the Japanese. Some OF
those following the conference are so
optimistic as to look for another open
session Tuesday.
It is quite possible, however, that
the Japanese will defer formal ac-
ceptance of the naval ratio plan until
the Chinese agreement is whipped INTO
shape. The comqnon belief is that
they wanted the four-power treaty
framed and announced before agree
ing to the naval ratio plan, and they
may follow the same policy with re-
spect to the Chinese agreement as part
of their general plan of getting all
ends of the conference in the best
shape they can for themselves before
giving way to Mr.. Hughes in the
naval question.
Another question hangs fire at the
moment, with both the japanese and
the American delegations deeply in
terested, is that arising from the dis
pute over Yap. Yesterday it was
stated by spokesman Of the Ameri-
can delegation that the question
might be settled in few hours. To
day it is learned tentatively agree
ment has been reached. The state
department has been busy putting
this into form so that the japanese
delegation may submit 1t to Toxic.
1t is understood the agreement will
grant the claims of the American gov
ernment as to cable rights.
Dividing attention with this work
to be done by the conference is the
question as to what. the senate will
do with the work already completed
the four power treaty. The question
hinges on the extent to- which the
enemies of Article 10 in the League Of
Nations covenant line up in opposition
to the new treaty on the ground that
Article 9 is virtually Identical with
Article 10.
That question, in turn, hinges large
ly upon the cause of Senator Borah.
II he goes into action against the new
treaty there will be noticeable fight,
although no one thinks there is any
chance that the treaty will be beaten.
Senator Borah said yesterday he
would not talk until he had given the
matter consideration and repeated to-
hight that he was not ready to talk.
That, coupled with the fact that as
surances were given him last week
by the administration that he need
have no cause for alarm, indicates
that he is not comfortable. If, after
the administrations assurances and
the care taken by Senator Lodge to
declare, in substance, that Article TO-,
as it was painted by the anti-League
men, is not in the new treaty, Senator
Borah still is thinking SO hours after
the text of the treaty was before him,
it is fair guess that he has his
doubts.