Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-07-15
JAPS WITHHOLD
ANSWER ON FAR
EAST QUESTION
Willing to Talk Disarrna-
ment But Unable to De-
eide on Other Problem.
Question of Preliminary
Conference in London is
Discussed by British.

Washington, July 1a.-The
United States has informed Japan
Of its ideas on the scope of the
disarmament conference. This ac-
ton Is intended to meet Japan's
desire to know the extent to
which far eastern affairs are to
be discussed before he goes
further in considering an invita-
ton to participate.
1T Is not now possible to state
the extent to which the American
government has gone into details,
but it is understood the commune
cation Is sufficient to afford ma
terial for q close study of the
proposal by the japanese foreign
office.
OFFICIAL circles here continue to
evince great confidence that a
complete acceptance of the Amer
tcan invitation eventually will
come from Toxic.
JaPan's reply yesterday to the
preliminary invitation was to the
effect that while she would accept
an invitation to disarmament
conference she was not willing to
participate In an unrestricted dis
cussion of far eastern affairs.
Diplomatica11y, Japan asked for
some lUSl1 Oh the E)&OSEdlH.
Toxic, July 1S.-(By the. Associat-
ed Press)-Japans answer to Presi-
dent Hardings proposal for confer
ence on limitation of armaments.
which has been forwarded to, Wash
ington, while accepting the sugges-
ton for an armament conference says
the Jill Shimpo today, makes reserva-
tons concerning general Far Eastern
concerns until more has been learned
as to the scope and nature of the dues-
tons to be considered.
What the Significance is of Presi-
dent Harding's call for a far eastern
conference and how such a confer
ation in word affairs are the queries
dominating pubic discussion. The
trend of this discussion creates the
impression that WHITE Jafs4n IN tfeArats
ed the call for conference with
Great Britain and the United States
and is particularly desirous Of reach
ing a workable understanding with
America, she is surprised at the tr1-
clusion Of other powers in the invita-
tion, and looks with trepidaton on an
international examination of such a
magnitude promising to exceed pre-
conceived ideas into Far Eastern ques-
tions.
Continue Discussion.
London. July 15.-Continued dis
cussion of President Harding's pro-
posed disarmament conference by
here testifies to sustained
interest in the subject. The question
Of a preliminary conference to be he'd
in London was given prominence by
a number Of newspapers here today,
which printed long dispatches from
most of which indicated
such preliminary meeting would not
be favored in America. 1t was argued
in some quarters the idea should
therefore be abandoned. It was made
clear, moreover, that the question had
not advanced az yet beyond the stage
of discussion, while the engagement
of dominion premiers would make it
difficult to fix time for such con-
ference.
The view that 1t was improbable the
parley could be held in
If the Pacific question was
to be discussed in conjunction with
pressed by the Daily Mail. The news
paper declared that neither Australia
or New Zealand would be willing to
have Pacific matters discussed at any
where they were not directly
represented. The political engage
ments of both Premier Hughes Of
Australia and Premier Massey of New
Zealand are such as not to allow them
to leave their respective countries be-
fore next spring. The newspaper ad-
ded that in view Of the national status
accorded British dominions at the
Versailles conference, it was possible
tations to Canada. Australia. New
Zealand and South Africa and India.
Show Satisfaction.
The British League Of Nations
union, which is working in support Of
the league, is anxious not to appear
opposed to Mr.. Harding's proposed
conference. It has issued, through
Lord Robert Cecil a statement that
the union feels a great satisfaction
over Mr.. Harding's action
The idea that there can exist any
compatibility or rivalry over the two
efforts for the same end" the state
ment declared, will receive no sup
port from any intelligent protagonist
Of the league. This union desires to
associate itself with virtually all Brit
ish subjects in expressing satisfaction
over this new move for peace and in
congratulations to President
Harding for his courageous and states
initiative
A tendency to place a sinister con-
struction on the Japanese omission Of
Of Pacific and Far Eastern
problems in that nations reply to
President Harding's proposal was dep
recated by the London Times today.
The newspaper cited the traditional
and moderation Of the Jap
anese, and suggested that japan
might wish to know more Of the de-
tails Of plans laid for the conferences
before promising to participate in
View Endorsed
The view that the proposed parley
should be held in Washington was
endorsed by the newspaper, which
quoted extensively and approvinely
the reasons for that city being chosen.
which were cabIed to 1t by Wash
ington correspondent. y
!, The correspondent emphasized the
fact that Mr.. Harding's initiative en- :
titled America to the site ,ofs the con-
and he added the interest the
American pubic would take In the
meeting would be notable. and that
the press Of the United States would
strain its entire resources reporting
the proceedings. In DISCUSSING the