The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-11-18


ment conference was called by Chair
man --ughes today to meet at II a. m.
next Monday for it's third plenary
session.
Washington, Nov. 18.-The thick
haze of old world diplomacy settled
down like a blanket today over the
activities of the armament conference.
The pace has been fast since the
meeting opened six days ago and
things have moved with swiftness
never before equaIed in international
gatheringes of such vast Importance.
The illness of Baron Shidehara, the
Japanese ambassador and one of ia
pans principal delegates, afforded a
respite from the almost constant con-
tact of the diplomats for the past
week. The baron's indisposition forced
a pOstponement of the scheduled
meeting of the full nine powers at
which was to be taken up China's
declaration of independence"
Delegates Welcome Rest.
Delegation meetings and the con-
tinued session of the Committee of
admirals' considering the application
Of the Hughes naval program, were
en- todays program.
the visiting diplomats rather well
coined the respite afforded by the
Japanese ambassadors illness. It af-
fords them an opportunity for a gen
eral checking up.
China's ambitious plan for her re-
hab litation is one that requires deep !
study. Thus far from the cautions
utterances of the spokesmen for the !
various offers, the powers have re- |
ceived the Chinese proposals as fol- |
lows:
How the Powers Stand.
The United States-generaI approv- !
al Of the entire program.
The British empire-cautious ap-
proval of most of the program ''in /
principle" and a willingness 10 accept (
the program as a basis for discus |
sion. Great Britain is believed willing /
to relinquish Wei-Hei Wei, but is un- /
derstoOd to be staunchIy opposed to /
giving up Hong Kong.
France-willing to fall in line with |
any general policy agreed upon for /
rs vital as those of Great Britain and |
Japan.
Japan-cautious acceptance of the
proposals. 'as a basis for discussion /
Is understood to be recOncfIed to Civ
ing up ShaAtung, but is prepared to re- |
sist efforts to dislodge her In Mon
golia and Manchuria. Also insists that
her geographical propinquity entities |
her to special consideration" in
China, as regards obtaining raw ma /
terials. outlet for excess IN popuIa- /.
tion, etc.
Italy-having no particular Interest !
in China aside from financiaI interests, !
is willing to follow the lead OF other I
powers, and inclines toward the altru- |
istic policy Of the United States.
While the diplomats pondered f!
Chinas case within thier own quar-
teTs today, the naval experts continued /,
to struggle with the nava1 proposals ]
PROCESS Very Slow.
Progress has not been rapid in the |
adjustment of the conflicting views
of American, japanese and British /
experts. On the contrary, tnere were /
unmistakable indications To-Day thar /
little has been accomplished.
The American experts are steadfast- |
~ insisting upon the terms laid down |
in the Hughes program. The esti- /
mates were made with such care, the |
Americans contend, that no room was
left for trading"
Briefly summarized. the Japanese I
and British objections are:
Japan believes she is entitled to 70 /
per cent strength in capital ships, in
stead of so. Also believes that in GER
tain auxiliary ships she is entitled to |
practical equality with Great Britain
and America
Great Britain objects to the Ameri- j
can submarine proposals and the aux
1liary snip allowance particularly in |
light cruisers. Is understood to be
reconciled to the ten-year naval holt /
day proposed. after first objectine.
1t was learned today that no prog
ress at all has been made in adjusting !
the divergent British and American /
views concerning submarines.
The British experts keenly recoI- !
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