The New York herald., 1921-12-19

ference lot odlSAuClDEt tAbid-idAAoA
OF the French move. They believe the
anal decision of France, which viii
permit completion OF the naval pro-
gram agreed upon by the other sea
Powers, will come out of the con-
ference between Preniers Lloyd
George and BRAND at London.
Consequently delegates familiar with
the processes Of such events are pre-
pared to sit down and wait on the
E.remiers of the two nations to define
the future relations of their countries.
This opinion Is not general by any
means, because an American official
said this afternoon that he believed
the French decision regarding the sea
armaments controversy here would be
settled without reference to other diff
ferences between Great Britain and
France over European policies.
The same official is authority for
the statement that the French dele
gates were wholly within their rights
by requesting an adequate discussion
of their proposal. although he ex-
pressed the opinion that it should have
been presented before the completion
of the negotiations on the part Of the
United States. Great Britain and
Japan, the result Of which was pro-
nounced at the plenary session OF the
conference a week ago.
Aimed at Great Britain.
Upon one point delegate and official
opinion is in complete accord Not a
single official or unofficial observer
hesitates to pronounce the opinion that
the French move is aimed at Great
Britain for reasons that are not di-
rectly connected with the undertak-
ings of the Washington conference.
It Is the ambition OF American dele
gates and officials to check public dis
cussion of the Anglo French differ
ences and TO prevent them from ex-
ercisinS any influence on the con-
clusions OF the conference. They be-
lieve they have succeeded up to to-
day and are hopeful of preserving the
neutral attitude OF all of their asso-
ciates who are not directly concerned
with the points at issue between Great
Britain and France.
There is no gainsayiug the fact
however, that the American delegates
and officials view the naval request
OF the French Government as neither
reasonable nor justified American
feeling toward the French, which con-
tinues most friendly despite slight
irritation, reflects q desire to extend
the fullest liberties TO the delegates
OF the great European republic. No
move viii be made by the delegates
OF this country to influence the action
Of their French colleagues on the
naval issue.
The American delegates will un-
doubtedly make known in the clearest
possible way their views of the pro-
posal made by M. Sariraut They may
do 80 at the meeting OF the commit
tee Of fifteen tomorrow.
british Delegates Keep Mum.
The British delegates, who appear to
have fallen in with the American pol
icy OF preserving the utmost patience
in dealing with the French situation,
will naturally stand with their col
leagues of the United States and
Japan. Spokesman for Great Britain
who have previously been most in
dulgent to interrogators regarding the
policies OF their country on specific
matters engaging the attention of the
conference were as mr. as oysters
to-day. They refused TO .oe mt even
on collateral features OF co.,. .crance
undertakings. presumably because
they feared that any statement from
them might be interpreted by their
French associates as unfrierdlv
There is naturally great regret ex-
pressed on the part of the delegates
RI the conference. with the exception
OF France, that the unexpected COM
piication over capital sea ornaments
has provided the only interruption in
the progress of desirable events. The
concrete achievements are three in
nurnber-the four Power treaty de-
signed to perpetuate peace in the Pa
cific and the two agreements between
the United States and Japan estab-
fishing the status quo of Notifications
in the Pacific and comforting upon the
United states equal privileges over
Japanese mandates. including the Isl
and Of Yap.
There was the fullest confidence on
Thursday when announcement was
made Of the agreement by the United
States. Great Britain and Japan over
capital sea arrnaments that the last
chapter OF that instrument would be
closed in time 10 permit a plenary
session tomorrow. The French pro-
posal prevented consummation of
this hope.
Decline TO Predict Date.
American delegates are confident
that the last chapter will be written
within few days. but decline to pre-
dict the date OF the next plenary ses-
sion. The modification by France OF
her request for greater naval privi-
leges will open the way for an agree
inent over auxiliaries. including sub
marines. thereby completing the phase
OF the conference agenda relating to
ornaments.
The American delegates do not en-
tertain any doubt that the undertake
ings involved in the agenda relating
to Far Eastern matters can be dis
posed Of In few days. The apparent
inlpasse reached In the direct negotia-
tons between China and Japan over
Shantung is not regarded as indicating
failure OF the two countries in reach
ing an agreement. IL is not viewed
es any more perplexing than several
other phases of the manifold Chinese
problems.
Agreement in the Shantung dispute
uNnaFdc QOiolts -, -