Arizona republican., 1922-01-19
AMERICAN OPEN
DOOR PROGRAM
ACCEPTED WITH
RESERVATIONS
PROVISION AUTHORIZING INQUIRY
INTO EXISTING CONCESSIONS IN
CHINA is ELIMINATED AT SUCCESS
TON OF BRITISH DELEGATION.
TRepubIIoan A. P. Leased wIrel

WASHINGTON, Jan. 49, The
American open door program was ac-
cepted in part today by the Far East
ern committee or the arms confer
ence, but approval was given only
after elimination of the provision
which would have authorized an in
quiry into existing concessions in
China.
The French, renewing their obiec-
tion TO reopening the whole field Of
concessions granted in the past. were
seconded by the japanese and the
proposal was finally thrown out at
the suggestion of the British. The
Chinese reserved the right to call 1t
up again, but the general impression
among the delegation was that it had
been permanently sidetracked SO far
as this conference is concerned.
Viewed by many delegates as the
most sweeping provision of the Amer
lean plan, the existing concessions
article was the center of debate. var
ious delegates opposing 1t on the
ground that it might lead to an al
most endless inquiry into the validity
of the maze of economic arrangements
in force in China For the American
delegation, however, is was said that
the eliminated article was not con-
sidered of vital Importance since re-
naming provisions of the plan would
permit examination of existing con-
cessions where both parties agree to
it.
AS adopted, the open door resolu-
tion contains mutual pledge not to
seek spheres OF influence or monopo-
lies in China and authorizes creation
of an International board of reference
with power to investigate and report
on any case which seems to involve
violation Of the principle of equal
economic and commercial opportun-
ity.
Turning to the problem Of railway
control in China, the committee laid
the ground work for tomorrow's dis
cussion by hearing two resolutions
proposed for promoting equitable de-
velopment of Chinese rail facilities
The first, introduced by Sir Auck-
land Geddes Of the British delegation
would pledge the powers against dis
criminatory practices on roads under
their control. The other, presented
by Secretary Hughes, would express
a hope that the transportation lines
in China might be welded eventually
into unified system under Chinese
control.
In neither proposal was there ex-
ception made on the Shantung or
Manchurian lines, now under Japan
ese supervision, but the committee
recognized the separate status of the
Chinese eastern railway by referring
that whole subject to special sub
committee of Far Eastern experts.
The latter road, traversing the border
between Manchuria and Siberia, now
Is under the control of an inter- allied
commission.
The negotiations between the
Japanese and Chinese over the gem
eral Shantung, problem were ad-
vanced one more step today by an
agreement for return to China of the
coal and iron mines in Kiao- Chow,
leased territory. On the pivotal ques-
tion of the return of the Shantung
railway however, there were no fur
ther developments.
In the negotiations Of the naval
treaty there also was a lapse of
activity the second dealing with Pa
cific Notifications remaining in an
uncertain status.