The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-11-14
'HBig Five" Chiefs Hold Confer
ence on Program Secretly.
British Leader to Make Speech
at Tuesday Session.
FAR EAST COMES UP AFTER
British Have Signified Revision
of Proposals Needed.
Japan to Follow Englands
Stand in Future Action.

Washington, Nov. 14.-Whle the
naval strategists of all the great pow
ers wrestIed today with the exacting
limitation conditions laid down by
America, the heads of the five princi-
pal delegations went into secret ses-
sion at the Pan-union building osten-
sibly to consider method of proceed
ure.
The session got under way shortly
before noon. Present were Secretary
of state Hughes; A. J. Balfour of the
British; Premier BRAND of the
French: Baron Kato of the japanese.
and Senator Carlo Schanzer, repre-
senting Italy.
All Very Secretive.
The session lasted for an hour and
a half and then adjourned. Efforts
to ascertain what was accomplished
were met with the statement that
"the committee discussed procedure
and organization" and would meet
again this evening.
1t had been previously announced
that the heads of the delegations
would meet alone to map out work
ing program to govern future sessions
of the conference. 1t was significant,
however that the technical advisers
of the participants also went into the
session.
The presence of the experts
changed the aspect of the meeting
and led to the belief that both Great
Britain and Japan are seeking en-
hghtenment concerning some part of
the Hughes. program before commit
ting themselves.
Back Hughes Program.
1t became evident today that both
Great Britain and Japan are willing
to approve the Hughes program in the
h11f a that
the details Of the actual operation of
the plan are to be made the subject CT
considerable interchange of ideas.
1t was learned that the experts of
both nations have found certain OBJ
1ections to the program as it now
stands and have so reported to their
respective chiefs. The nature of these
objections is unknown and it is be-
heved they will lead to suggestion of
numerous amendments" and reserva-
tions The session today was in strict
secrecy Marines armed with rifles
barred every one from entrance to the
building where the big five" met
Newspaper correspondents gained ac-
cess to the outer halls after several
times being barred.
The big five" will resume its ses-
sions this evening, after the meeting
of all the heads of delegations at 3
o'clock to discuss the methods of pro-
cedure on Far Eastern questions and
an official statement will be issued.
FINAL Decision to Take Time.
The impression prevailed in official
quarters today that it will be consid-
erable time before the visitors from
London and Toxic will be in a position
to say fatty yes" or mo" to the con-
crete terms as proposed by this gov
ernment.
The delegates to the conference are
known to be clothed with power and
authority unusually great, but they
?
reaching as the American program.
Already the cables have carried the
American proposals to the capitals of
the world and they Will have to re-
ceive careful. minute consideration of
F-.tish and Japanese cabinets before
there can be a flat committal.
Balfour Speech Tomorrow.
+ A. J. Balfour. head of the British
delegation to the armament confer
ence. viii probably go before the con-
ference tomorrow to make a speech
virtually accepting the proposals for
a naval holiday made by the United
States, it Vas stated semi at
the British delegation's headquarters
today.
Mr.. Balfour in his proposed speech,
however, will ask that certain portions
of the proposals be opened for amend
ment and further discussion.
Great Britain will ask that the pro-
posals for reduction in the number of
that there be a greater scrapping of
this instrument of warfare, it was said.
Proposals also will be made by the
British that methods be established
whereby the machinery for building
battleships will not be a total loss.
Has London On the Wire.
The British delegation has been in
almost constant communication with
the British foreign office since Satur-
day. it was stated. and it is under
stood that whatever statements Mr.
BaiTour may make before the confer
ence tomorrow will be in accordance
with instructions which he has re-
ceived from Lcndon-
British delegates are confident that
Japan will accept the American pro-
posals in general, but expect some
reservations with regard to future for
tification of the Pacific.
1t is not expected in British circles
here that Lloyd George viii come to
the United States now. until the ques-
tions regarding Far Eastern policy are
taken up.
Far East Must Wait.
America is fully prepared to plunge
Into Far East problems as soon as the
International conference on armament
reduction and Pacific questions re-
sumes It's sessions. They will be ap-
preached this week, possibly tOmor-
row, unless it is decided to take up
limitation of land armament first.
The powers have sign.fied their
willingness that both armament linn
itatiOn and Far East matters be dis
ticable. Ameria's- Pacific policy al
ready has been formulated. But.
owing to the completely OF the issue