Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-12-12

) The far eastern discussions are to
be pressed forward at daily meetings
of the committee of the whole at the
same time that the naval situation is
clearing up through continued COM
munication with the foreign capitals
over Shantung and Yap are verging to-
ward decision.
Japan Hanging Back
Although there are indications that
Japan is about ready to accept the
American "five- five three naval ratio,
it is not considered unlikely that she
may refrain from committing herself
definitely until there is a clearer un-
derstanding about future Notifications
on the Pacific islands. There has
been a general Indication that all the
powers are willing to assent to an
arrangement by which all present de-
fenses in Pacific waters would be re-
tanned and none added in the future,
but the question is yet to be made the
subject Of formal exchanges.
Further instructions from Toxic
were received Sunday by the Japa-
nese delegations. The nature of the
message was not revealed, but there
were evidences that the Japanese were
preparing to canvass the situation rel
ative to Pacific bases before going
further with the naval ratio discus
sions
Two lnseparahle, Claim
The two subjects have been long
regarded by Japan as inseparable.
The negotiations relative to China,
although proceeding separately. also
are receiving the careful attention of
the Japanese, while the naval question
is in allegiance, and there have been
some hints that they would prefer to
see a decision in that quarter also
before they make their acceptance of
the Five five-three" final and binding.
1t is the general expectation that the
result of the far eastern discussions
by the nine nations represented here,
embodying the flour points" of Elihu
Root and making such specific appli
cation Of them as may be found pos
sible. Such declaration, part of
which was given official sanction by
the nine nations at yesterdays plen-
ary session, it was expected, would
finally take the form of a gentle
mems understanding. Some of the
plenipotentiaries, however. want to
write it into q treaty, and a decision
on that point is yet to be reached.
Afterward, similar declaration may
be made as respects Siberia, but it is
possible that the separate pronounce
ment on that subject now understood
to be contemplated by japan, may be
accepted as sufficient.
When the four power Pacific treaty
consummated Saturday is to be signed
by the representatives of the United
States, Great Britain, Japan and
France, is still an unanswered ques-
ton. 1t is the impression among
some Of the delegates, however, that
the formal signature may be delayed
until the naval problem is settled and
that President Harding will not send
it to the senate for ratification until
after the conference is over.
Approve of Treaty
Over-Sunday consideration of the
new treaty among members of the
treaty -ratifying branch of the govern
ment developed indications that the
leaders of both the republican and
democratic parties viii stand united
for it's approval. Senator Underwood
is one of the Americans who will sign
advocacy of ratification will be sec
onded on the democratic side by Sen
ator Hitchcock. senior democratic
of the foreign relations com
mittee.
While the naval ratio and Pacific
Notifications questions move toward
a decision. other details of the general
naval problem are coming into promi-
nence. First among them, to be given
week are the proportionate strength
to be fixed for France and Italy, and
the questions of modification in the
naval holiday plan and in the suggest
ed submarine tonnage as fixed in the
American reduction proposals.
When these more or less collateral
subjects are out of the way, and the
high spots Of the far eastern negotia-
tions and the naval ratio discussions
themselves are disposed of. it is prob
able that the principal delegates will
60 home leavinig various commissions