The New York herald., 1921-07-28

formal conversations with his Ex-
cellency the imperial Ambassador
at Washington has expressed the
hope that the imperial Govern
ment would not press its inquiry
as to the nature and scope OF the
Pacific and Far Eastern problems
to be discussed at the proposed
conference in view of the fact that
1t is desirable that the full ac-
ceptance of the invitation of the
American Government leave this
matter open for adjustment in the
precise agenda to be arrived at
later.
The Secretary of State is will
ing to proceed with exchanges of
opinion regarding the agenda prior
TO the meeting of the conference.
He considers it inadvisable, how
ever. at the present moment to
hamper the programme. and in
particular to delay the arrange
ments for the conference pending
an agreement regarding this mat
ter.
Must Not Fix Date.
With full acceptance now in hand
from all the invited nations--Great
Britain. France, Italy, Japan and
China-the next steps in preparing for
the conference are the fixing of a date
and a discussion of the agenda. 1t is
apparent from the exchanges Of diplo-
matte correspondence between the
United States and Japan that prac-
tically all phases If the Far Eastern and
Pacific questions are thrown open for a
preliminary discussion through arnbas-
sadorial channels.
Interchange or Views as to the agenda
by the Governments will be started at
once. 1t is realized that Japan's note
precipitates a debate of the issues be-
tween this Government and Japan.
What Japan may regard as accom-
plished facts and as the sole concern"
to certain Powers and what the United
States may so regard are almost cer-
tain to differ.
1t Is assumed that Japan will in
terpret this as meaning that certain ar
rangements she has made with China
for example should not be included In
the agenda, AS facts accomplished she
may describe her position on Yap and
Shantung and her occupation of Siberia.
Naturally II these situations are re-
garded by the United States and other
nations as interfering with the peace
of the world Japan's Interpretation will
be combated.
All to Have Their Say.
In entering the conference. however.
Japan really agrees to discuss these
questions with the other nations. They
at once become subjects Of long range
negotiations. 1t can be safely assumed
that any situations the United States
has challenged will not be regarded as
accomplished facts. nor barred by their
nature from consideration
Reports that an effort might be made
TO hold the conference In the United
States but elsewhere than In Washing
ton were discounted on the theory that
of the invitation specifically
carried the idea that the conference Is
TO be held here. The most likely date
still remains November IL, armistice
day.
The State Departments admission to-
day that other Powers interested in the
Far Eastern questions might be invited
10 participate in the conference on that
subject is assumed to apply to Holland.
In certain contingencies II might apply
also to Russia.
Assuming that between now and the
time the conference convenes Russia
should have established a representative
Government-one with which the other
Powers could deal legitimately-she
would be a party to any discussion OF
Far Eastern problems