Great Falls tribune., 1922-01-18
Would Block Exploitation

Would Block Exploitation
| The American plain, it was said
would provide system to prevent
| eign interests. Action by the commit
tee was deferred to await further dis
cussion Wednesday,
French objection to the proposed in
ternational tribunal was said to be
based on doubt as to its funetioning
promptly and effectively. especially in
| its relation TO concessions of French
investors.
Development of Root Policy
The Hughes plan was said to be a
development of the Root resolutions
for maintenance of the open door in
China. Through the proposed inter
national commission. the concessions
in China would not be a general en-
terprise nor would they be wrung from
China, according to the view of Ameri-
can delegates. The international com
mission. it was said in American quar-
ters, would act both to protect China
and also to protect the powers from
any undue encroachment by investors
of other nations.
Except for another inconclusive ses-
sion of the Shantung negotiations and
informal exchanges among the big
five regarding the Pacific fortifica-
tons agreement. the meeting of the
far eastern committee constituted the
total of conference activities. At the
Shantung conversations the question
of mines was discussed with no APP
parent progress and the fortifleations
problem remained unsolved Tuesday
night. despite receipt by the Japanese
of partial instructions from Toxic.
Fear To Open Up On Manchuria
It was around the proposal for an
inquiry into concessions now estap-
lished in China. as well as those pro-
posed in the future. that most of the
debate in the far eastern committee
eentered. BY some delegates 1t was
understood such an inquiry might open
upon the whole question OF Japanese
holdings in Manchuria. while IN other
quarters it was suggested that the
resolution might. by indirection. lead
to review by the board of the
famous "21 demands" controversy.
In that connection. it was pointed
out that, whereas the boards duties IN
connection with future concessions
would be confined. under the resoiu-
ton. to investigate and report,
would be authorized to inquire into
existing concessions for the purpose
of endeavoring to arrive at salts
factory adjustment on equitable
terms" Many questions regarding the
meaning of the resolution were asked
of Secretary Hughes and answered by
him. but there still was apparent
among the delegates a divergence OF
views as to the exact powers which
might be assumed by the new board.
Chinese Hail Hughes Plan
In the Chinese delegation, the Amer
lean plan was hailed as long step
toward restored Chinese integrity. by
American spokesman a similar view
was expressed, but most of the other
delegations withheld comment. The
proposal had taken them by surprise
and when they realized its possible ex-
tent. they all indicated that minute
study of details would be necessary be-
fore action could be taken.
So completely unexpected was the
proposal, in fact, that when Secretary
Hughes had completed it's reading at
he committee meeting. there was an
interim of silence which delegates said
became embarrassing before it was
broken After the several delegations
lad waited for some time without any
me volunteering to open discussion,
Senator Schanzer, head of the Italians.
lsked question about the meaning of
seme of the provisions. Secretary
hughes reply opened up general dis
,ussion. which continued with some
animation for three hours
Fear for Government Concessions
One of the important questions in |
'olved in the general discussions was |
aid to have been whether the princi- |
lies set forth would apply to public /
and private enterprises !
like, or only the former. 1t was sug-
'ested in some quarters that this fea-
ure would have to be definitely deter
nined before the agreement could be |
to by the British, although |
hey are understood to have accepted |
he scheme in principle.
Japanese interest in China were said |
o be mostly public enterprises and
hese wepld be directly affected. The !