The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-11-22


Elihu Root, of the American dele
cation, proposed the declaratory res
olution and two hours of debate pre-
ceded its adoption. During the dis
cussion both Japan and China, as
the most directly interested nations,
asked many questions as to possible
application of the suggested prin-
ciples to specific problems, while all
the other nations took less active
part in the debate.
"Perfect satisfaction" with the
resolution was expressed tonight
by Admiral Baron Kate, head of
the Japanese delegation, although
he declined to suggest what
changes the agreement might
lead to in the far east. The Chi
nese also declared themselves
gratificd at the development, and
the delegates of the other nations
generally voiced the view that
the agreement was coed start
toward n complete agreement ON
the most important of the far
eastern problems.
The two features of the declaration
attracting widest attention tonight
were the clause approving admins
trative integrity for China, and that
under which the powers agreed not
to seek special rights" within Chi
nese territory. Previous declarations
of policy regarding Chinese integrity
have stopped with territorial integ'
ritys commonly construed as a much
a lat ss ixya
integrity" The special rights
agreement. was considered generally
a direct contravention Of the policy
of spheres of influence"
Text OF Resolution.
The text Of the resolution was en-
bodied In an official communique is
sued by the conference late today. II
follows:
"The committee on Pacific and
far eastern questions met at the
Pnn-AmerIcan building November
II mt 4 O'Clock p. IN. All the mem
bers were present except baron
Shtdehara, the Japanese minister,
who In i'll, and MEDIA Utaiy).
.sThe committee discussed a
series of resolutions prepared for
their consideration by senator
Root, setting forth the general
principles TO guide the confer
ence In regard TO China, after
which they were adopted In the
following forn,'
at ia the firm intention of the
powers represented mt this con-
ference hereinafter mentioned to-
wit, The United states of America,
Belgium, the British empire,
France, Italy, Jnpan, the Neither
lands and Portugal.
.G) To respect the sovereignty.
the independence and the terri
torinI and administrative integ-
rity OF China.
"(2) TO provide the fullest and
most uncmbarrassed opportunity
to China to develop and maintain
for herself nm effective and stable
government
sC3) To use their Influence for
the purpose of effectuaily cstab-
fishing and maintaining the prin-
ciple of equal opportunity for the
commerce and Industry of all ma
tions throughout the territory of
China.
400 To refrain from taking sd-
vantage OF the present conditions
In order to seek special rights or
privileges which would abridge
tBe tut SubJtttn vi
zcns OF friendly states and of
countenancing action inimical to
the security of such states.
.'rbe committee adjourned to
meet Mt II o'clock tomorrow
morning."
The resolution adopted, the chic
delegates of the eight nations men
toned in the preamble affixed theii
signatures, the Chinese refraininl
on the ground that China could no
well pass an agreement which Sc
forth the policy of foreign govern
ments toward her.
Not Retroactive, Belief
As interpreted by some of thu
Japanese delegates, the Root agree
ment is to be applied only to thu
future. and Is not likely to be useC
as vehicle for bringing before thu
conference past incidents which ia
pan does not want to discuss. Fur
Their than this, however, the Japa
nese spokesman would not go into al
analysis of the four principles.
"rhe administrative integrity,
provision, in the view of member
of other delegations, will have
far-reaching effect on the lnterna
Situdtipn III (uiHd IL IL Is CdTIleu gu
in its full application. For man,
years Chinese authorities have lie
one after another of the functions
of internal administration fall int
the hands of foreign powers Japar
even operates its own post office il
the Chinese capital, in addition Il
performing various other adminlstra
tive functions, particularly along th'
railroads under Japanese control.
Whether the effect of the declara-
ton will be considered by any ma
ton sweeping enough, is problemat
ical.
Decline TO Comment
In the case also of the ''specia
rights" provision of the fourth prin.
ciple it is realized that a variety o.
interpretations may be offered. ASKED
| tonight for the Japanese interpreta
ton, Baron Kato replied that h.
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