The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-12

The problems of .he far east
 snd details of the naval reduc.
 ton program, including the
 question of Pacific island forti-
 neatfens and naval bases, now
 become the subjects of primary
 consideration 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 Sftua-
 ton Is clearing up through con-
 tinued communication with the
 foreign capitals, and while the
 separate negotiations over Sham
 tung md Tap are verEfng toward
 decision.
 Although there are indications that Japan is about ready to accept the American "5-5-3" naval ratio, 1t is moi considered unlikely that she may refrain from committing herself definitely until there is clearer un- derstanding about future fortifica- tions on the Pacific islands. Thero has been e general indication that all the powers are willing to assent to an arrangement by which all pres 1lll dEASIoCS III dNIiiC hdleIS hOulO be retained and none added in the future, but the question is yet to be made the subject of formal ex- oranges.
 Receive Instructions
 Further instructions from Tokio were received today by the Japanese delegates. The nature of the mes age was not revealed, but there were evidences that the Japanese were preparing to canvass the situa- tion relative to Pacific basis before going further with the naval ratio discussions. The two subjects have been long regarded by Japan as in scparably linked and her desire to dispose of both at one time Is not regarded as serious barrier to d ratio agreement.
 The negotiations relative to China, although proceeding separately, also arc receiving the careful attention of the Japanese while the naval ques- tion Is in abeyance and there have been some hints that they would pre- fer to see a decision in that quarter also before they make their accept anee of the "5-5-3" final and bind ing.
 Far East
 It is the general expectations that tho results of the far east negotla- tions will be q united declaration Of policy with the nine nations repre- seLted here embodylng the -four noints'' of Elihu Root, and making such specific application of them as r1ay be found possible. Such decla- ration, a part of which was given of fcial sanction by the nine nations at yesterdays plenary session, it was expected, would finally take the form of a "gentleman's understanding Some of the plenipotentiaries, how ever, may write it into treaty ana the decision in point is yet to be reached. Afterward a similar decla- ration may be made as respects Si- beria, but it is probable that the separate announcement on that sub feet now understood to be eontem- plated by Japan may be accepted as sufficient.
 Pacific Treaty
 When the four-power Pacific treaty, consummated yesterday, is to i.e signed by the representatives Of .re United States, Great Britain, .3apan and France. is still an unan- swered- question. It is the impress aton among some of the delegates i-,wever, that the formal signature ray be delayed until the naval prob lem !s settled. and that President .,ardiYg will not send it to the Sen re for ratification until after the conference is over.
 Oyer-sunday consideration Of
 the new treaty among members
 of the Senate developed indicn-
 lions thnt the leaders of both the
 reuubiican and democratic pnr-
 ties will stand united for it's
 approval. Senator Underwood,
 the democratic leader. is one of
 the Americans who will sign the
 treaty as plenipoteDiaries.
 While the naval ratio and Paclnc fcrtifieations questions more toward ; decision. other details of the gem ,ral naval problem are coming into re minence. First among them, 10 he given detailed consideration prob ahly this week. are the proportion- ste strength to be fixed for France ana Italy, and the questions of modification in the naval holiday nlan and in the suggested subma- r,ne tonnage as fixed in the Amer
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