The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-01-04
FINAL APPROVAL Is
WITHHELD PENDING
A FULL DISCUSSION
British Acceptance to the Pro
posal Has Been Given on
Previous Occasion
ITALIANS AND JAPS
AWAIT INSTRUCTIONS
French Delegates Have Accepted
Root Declaration Also Re-
garding Submarines.
lRy The Assoclated pressl

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3--gThe Ameri :
can proposal to prohibit use of sub
marines against merchant vessels, now
the predominant issue Of the arms
negotiations has been accepted in
principle by France, but her delegates
have reserved final approval pending
a discussion of the precise language
of the declaration.
British acceptance previously has
been given, and although neither the
Italians nor the Japanese had re-
ceived final Instructions tonight. there
were indications that neither Rome or
Toxic would interpose serious objec-
tion il the proposal received Frances
full approval.
The exact nature OF the French res
ervation was not revealed, but the inn
preston was gathered in some quar-
ters that 1t might concern such def
inition OF the terms OF the declara-
tlon as would make it clear just what
conduct would be expected from mer-
chantmen I'm view of their immunity
from submarine attack.
Should that point be raised, an in
teresting and many sided discussion
might result Tor in several quarters
mere has been apparent a tendency
toward the opinion that the term
merchant ships" would. be strictly de-
fined with express stipulation as to
whether merchantmen are to he per-
mitted to arm and whether il is to
be permissible to disguise warshiLs as
vessels of commerce.
THE UTranrb dpIapo fipp bnweyar In
making known their acceptance in
principle, has emphasized that they
not only agree TO the original pro-
posal of Elihu Root, that the new pro-
hibition on submarines. become effec-
tive when all nations have agreed to
II, but as TO the amendment of Ar
thur ]. Balfour, which would make the
prohibition Immediately effective as
between the five great powers.
At the same time the French have
accepted the additional Root declara-
tion in which any submarine COM
mander violating the rules of inter
national law would be liable to trial
for an act OF piracy. In regard to this
also acceptances still are awaited from
the other foreign governments, 1t is
will be sufficiently complete, however
to permit meeting of the naval COM
mittee OF the whole.
The French acceptance was COM
municated to Secretary Hughes by
Ambassador Jusserand late today.
while the formal proceedings of the
conference were passing through an
other period of outward inactivity, but
while developments that touched on
several other important issues Of the
Washington negotiations were stirring
behind the scenes.
The Chinese moving to break their
deadlock with the Japanese over
Shantung, took steps toward moro di-
rect employment OF the proffered
''good offices" of Secretary Hughes
and Arthur J. Balfour. The respec-
tive heads OF the American ana Brit
ish delegations were approached per-
sonally by the Chinese representatives,
and in some quarters definite results
are expected within few days.
Following the example OF the Amer
icans. the British group indicated that 1T
will have no objection TO the Japanese
lproposal to clarity further the scope of
the new Tour power racine treaty SO
that 1t will not apply to the principal
islands Of the japanese empire. A definite
declaration on the subject. TO be approved
by the four signatory powers, is under
stood TO he in preparation.
Meantime work on two important col
lateral features or the conference involv-
ing technical details OF the naval settle
ment and revision Of the Chinese tariff
system, moved forward in subcommittee
with a promise OF early conclusion. The
naval experts subcommittee spent all day
clearing away the remaining loose ends
OF the naval agreement and the tariff
subcommittee is understood at a session
late In the day 10 have reached 8 virtual
decision regarding the readjustment OF
Chinas tariff schedule.
Before the meeting of the tariff body
its chairman. Senator Underwood OF the
American delegation. conferred at length
with Albert Sarraut, head OF the French
Lgroup. and they are said TO have dis
cussed the particular interest OF France
in the new Chinese fiscal arrangement.
arising out OF conditions along the border |
of French Indo- China. The entire sub
ject OF the open dooi is understood to /
(continued on rase Thrse)