Evening star., 1921-07-17

reduction Of armaments, but it would seem from
somewhat vague press dispatches intimating that
she must have precise information as to the
character Of the Pacific and far eastern problems
which to be discussed before she can decide
whether not to join in the discussions thereof.
1t is confidently expected that Japan ultimately
will accept without reservations. as Great Brit
ain. France. Italy and China have done. If only
because she cannot afford to be isolated.
X X
THE BRITISH EMPIRE-Mr. Lloyd George
and Mr. de Valera met Thursday and had long
conversation. They had another one Friday, and
then adjourned to Monday These preliminary
conversations are for the purpose Of discovering
Ito quote Mr.. de svalera) ION what basis con-
ference such as that proposed" by the British
premier (ie., a conference to include the Ulster
premier) "can reasonably hope to achieve the
objective desired" Will the discovery be made?
That is the important immediate question
The truce has been gayy celebrated in Dub
lin. and seems to have been faithfully observed
throughout the south: not so In Ulster, where
fighting and incendiarism seem to have increased,
each sde Of accusing the other Of starting
things. July IL. the anniversary of the battle
Of the Boyne, was tremendously celebrated in
Ulster. the speeches on that occasion including
speeches by members Of the Ulster government.
were far from conciliatory. But 4th or, 18th Of
July oratory Is not to be taken too seriously.
A note signed by Baron Payaspi for Japan
and by Lord Curzon for the British empire has
been sent to the secretary Of the league Of nations
stating that. pending further action. Britain and
Japan are agreed that. IL any situation arises
while the Anglo Japanese treaty remains in force
in which the procedure prescribed by the terms
Of that agreement is inconsistent with the proce-
dufe prescribed by the covenant OF the league OF
nations, then the procedure prescribed by seid
covenant shall be adopted" Some people in Japan
are saying that this is equivalent to "chucking'
~ ,hn> ,I,,,c1, HytxoH-
>* X
FRANCE.-Many were predicting the fall Of
the BRAND cabinet But with superb eloQuence
BRAND justified the chief terms of his policy, and
the chamber Endorsed them by overwhelming
vote. Chamber and senate then adjourned to
September.
. The French government has notified the Ger
man government that Dpessedorf. Ruhrort and
Duisburg will not be evacuated by the French
troops until after proper trial Of and due sentence
upon the Germans accused of war crimes. BRAND
told the French chamber that the Leipzig trials
have been a parody of Justice. He declared that
France would insist strict compliance with the
provisions of the Versailles treaty and the Lon
don program relating to these trials. and that
he had communicated with the other allied gov
ernments in that sense.
Precisely what does the French government
demand? If it demands that the accused GER
tain conspicuous accused persons be turned over,
for trial by allied court. that demand driven
home. is likely to detonate German passions and
jeopa rdze the London program The French are
fercely incensed the Leipzig trials. The
French mission to the Leipzig court was grossly
insu,ed and has been recalled. BRAND has in
tmated occupation of the Ruhr basin in case
Justice should be defeated in the matter of the
war criminals
X X X X ~
NEAR EAST AND THE RAIIkANS.-The
Greek general offensive is Reports thereof