New-York tribune., 1922-01-04

Another important development Of
the day " the statement made
TO Secretary Hughes by France that
the Paris government accepts in
principle the Root proposal OUTLAW
ing submarine attacks on merchant
vessels
Still another development was the
announcement that Arthur J. Bal
four and Secretary Hughes have
been requested by the Chinese to
step in and see if they cannot end
the deadlock on the shantung con
trovcrsy.
japanese troops were sent to Siberia
in company with American. British and
French troops the idea being 10 clos-
the way for the escape Of the famo- &c
Czecho Siovak army. which marched
all the way across Russia and Sibc,ra
At the time there were all sorts o
protestations that as soon as the brs,
ness IN hand was completed the troopx
would be withdrawn, and statements 20
the effect that no infringement OF the
sovereignty of Russia was intended
Japanese Troops Remain
The business in hand was completed
and the British, French and American
troops were withdrawn, but the Jan
anesc troops stayed on Three wears
have passed and they arc still tbe,c
This government has inquired Of the
,'apancse government. since Secretary
Hughes came into office, as to why
these troops were not withdrawn. The
japanese answer is that they arc
needed there to protect the lives and
property Of Japanese nationals. and
tnat they viii be withdrawn as soon as
a strong government is established
thorc which would protect these inter
csts.
Here enters ono OF the serious com
pllcatlons. The Americans have point
ed out that three years is a long time
but TO the japanese promise that they
Will withdraw when there is strong
government this country has no effec-
tive answer, for this government itself
mas not seen fit TO recognize the So
called Chita government OF the Far
Eastern Republic.
Another difficulty, so far as this CON
ierence IS concerned. is that, of course
1t is no more possible to force Japan
INTO evacuation of Siberia than it was
possible to force France to give nm
her avowed intention to build 10000
tons of submarines
There the situation stands, with the
United States anxious for Japan to
Withdraw from Siberia, with every
other nation anxious for that with
drawal and with Japan having prom
lsed that she will as soon as there is
a strong government there which will
protect her citizens
Wants Merchant Ships Defined
In regard to the French position or
the Root proposals., it is understood
that the French will want distinct un-
dcrstandings IS to the character OF
merchant ships which are to be ex-
empt from submarine attacks, under
the proposed agreement of the five
powers that no one will attack the
marines. No meeting of the naval COM
mittec is expected tomorrow, however
because the Italians have not heard
from Rome as to what the attitude OF
their government will be on this ques-
tion and the Japanese have not re-
ported the receipt of any reply from
Toxic. Secretary Hughes does not pro-
pose to call a meeting until I'll of this
information has been obtained.
1tt Tn" w mite mouse To-Day the
Cabinet discussed with the Presiden,
at some length the approaching eco
nomic conference TO be held abroad
The conversations, it was learned, con
tirmed the understanding that this gov.
ernmcnt would certainly go very
slowly about entering any such con
ference There is a very strong senti-
nent among some high in Administra
tion circles against this country par
ticipating on any terms.
Reconvcning of the Senate following
the holiday recess and the gathering