The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-01-15
FARLEY HOPEFUL SHANTUNG ISSUE
 MAY BE SETTLED
All Other Activities of Confer ence Are at StandStiII. Delegates Anxious to
 Go Home
By Associated Press

i WaoAiiiE Ioil, JdHudIy l4,-l ne Shantung negotiations took another step forward today while all of the other activities of the arms confer ence were at a standstill. i Meeting for the twenty sixth time since they began their separate con versations, the Japanese and Chinese agreed on some of the preliminary moves looking to complete restora- tion of Kiao Chow territory to China. At the same time there was ap- parent in some quarters mounting hope that the question of the shan tung railroad, the only point on which the two delegations have found themselves completely deadlocked, would be settled soon on the basis lof American and British compromise suggestions now under consideration in Peking and Tokio.
 Halting Progress
 The halting progress, of the discus sions, however, coupled with complete suspension of conference negotiations on other subjects. led to renewed rumblngs of disappointment from foreign delegations who are anxious to get home. Conference officials were talking tonight of resumption of the sessions of the far eastern committee next week, although 24 hours before they had indicated that the committee would not reassemble until the Shantung problem had been solved.
 Besides Shantung. the general far eastern issues constitute virtually the only remaining business of the conference. A reply still is awaited from Tokio regarding the Pacific Notifications section of the naval treaty, but most of the delegates are 50 confident the point will be easily settled that they are beginning to speak of the naval negotiations as closed chapter in conference accom- plishments.
 Far Eastern Discussions
 view that the far eastern dis cussions should be held in abeyanco to give free rein for the Shantung negotiations has been emphasized in American quarters particularly. it being argued that the Japanese and Chinese groups were fully occupied with the question of the kiso Chow leasehold and that the far eastern committee could not go ahead with out them. Tn the background of this proposal has appeared suggestion that 1t might also help solve the re- maining problems of the far east If the Shantung questions were first put out of the way
 It Is evident, however, that not all the delegations agree with the Ameri- can view. After nine weeks of dis cussion, and with important political developments shaping in foreign cap itals, some of the delegates are out spoken in their desire to avoid every unnecessary delay in the main tasks of the conference. To what extent Secretary Hughes has become cogni- zant of that sentiment is not revealed.
 Spirited Clashes
 That some spirited clashes of opin- ion are to be expected when the far eastern meetings eventually are re- stunned is becoming more and more apparent as the various delegations develop their positions. Today pr. Chung Hui Wang of the Chinese dele- gation issued a formal statement re- affirming the determination of China to press her request for conference discussion of the "21 demands" de- spite the objections of the Japanese Meantime. among other delegations there developed evidences that not only this request but the Chinese pro- posal for abolition of spheres of influ- ence and for restoration of leased areas face a dubious Irospect.