The New York herald., 1921-12-22
NEW PLAN READY
France illDisclOseTO-
dayAuxiliary Schedule
Deemed Necessary
for Defense.
GOOD AUGURY IS SEEN
Outlook for Ratification Of
Four Power Treaty
Is Bright.
NO GUARANTY IN COMPACT
Administration Holds L. 5.
Not Morally Bound as OPP
ponents Contend.
BY LOUIS sEIBOLD.

Special Dispatch TO THE New York Herald
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. G.. Dec. FL.
The attention of the members Of
the international conference to-day
was focused on the temporary issue
raised by the French over the Hughes
naval limitations plan awaiting com
pletion.
The French request for larger
percentage of auxiliary craft and
submarines than is provided in the
general naval structure in process Of
building will be revealed to the rep.
resentatives of the United States.
Great Britain. Japan and Italy to.
morrow. Until it is actually pre-.
sented there will be no way Of de.
termining the effect which the con-
cessions France is soaking may have
upon the naval plan as whole.
The French delegates and their
naval experts devoted the day to
preparation Of the new schedule
which they will propose in support
of their contentious that the defen
sive needs OF their Government ex.
ceed the percentage of auxiliary craft
allocated to it under the Hughes
naval plan.
Good Augury of Outcome.
The American and British dele
gates declined to make any comment
regarding either the scope or the
effect of the French estimates. nor
would they venture predictions as TO
the period Of time that will be re-
quired to adjust the differences
which may he provoked by them. It
is the American opinion that neither
the French naval request nor the
temporary breaking off of the direct
negotiations between China and
Japan over Shantung justifies pes
simism as to conference conclusions.
The acceptance of France of the capi.
tai ship ratio is regarded as a good
augury.
One of the American delegates said
tonight, Don't get the idea that we
are not progressing toward a favor
able conclusion. The processes for
reaching agreements over matters OF
such tremendous Importance are
naturally difficult because Of conflict
ing views and ambitions, all of which
are perfectly natural under the cir
Cumstances. We will finally agree
upon everything in a manner that
will reflect the earnest desire Of the
countries represented here TO assist
In the promotion OF the great reforms
we are confident of accomplishing
Despite this optimistic view it was
admitted by the American spokesman
that any prophecy as TO either dura-
ton or form in which details will be
worked out would be unwise No time
has been fixed for the next plenary
session.
IT the French differences can be
smoothed out and the British delegates
are ready 20 go ahead with their pub
lie protest against the submarine am
billions of other countries there may
be a public session on Friday, though
there is nothing certain about it. For
the next day or two the best energies
of all of the delegates will b. excrted
to bring about an agreement over III.
naval issue before a recess is taken
over the holidays
Ratification Outlook.
The outlook for ratification of the
four Power treaty within a reasonable
time after President Harding submits
II TO the Senate continues to be bright
The few "irreconcilable" Senators, who
have been trying to show that the new
treaty Is similar TO the obnoxious
covenant have been somewhat en-
couraged by the Interpretation placed
upon Articles !. and II. OF the new
compact by the American delegation
in which President Harding has ac-
quiesced.
The four Power treaty provides that
the contracting parties shall respect
each others rights in their "insular
possessions and insular domnions' In
the Pacific. and that il these rights
are threatened by the aggressive ac-
ton of another Power the contract
ing parties shall confer as to measures
to meet the "exlgencies of the par
ticular situation" The official Ad
rnlnistration's Interpretation Of these
provisions is that the hcmclanA Of