The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-01-18
J. s. PROPOSAL ID DEFINE OPEN DOOR
 POLICY DEBATED
Would Create Board to Exam- inc Concessions Which Ap- pear in Conflict With
 the Policy
By Associated Pres.

Washington, January 17.-An American proposal to re-define the open door policy in China and create an international board to examine both existing and future concessions which appear to conflict with it was debated without decision today by the far eastern committee of the Wash ington conference.
 The British and Italians accepted the sla te in principle. but the French withheld assent to some of its pro- visions and the Japanese reserved judgment pending communication with Tokio. The subject will be taken up again tomorrow with all signs pointing to long and interesting dis cussion.
 In brief, the American resolution would bind the United States. Great Britain. Japan, France, Italy. Bel gium, Portugal and the Netherlands not to seek special spheres of influ- ence in China nor secure concessions or monopolies which would abridge the principle of equal economic and commercial opportunity.
 China. on her part, would agree to Cooperate in maintaining that equal ity and the nine powers collectively would authorize a board of reference to investigate future and present con- sessions to determine whether they conflict with the open door
 Informal Exchanges
 Informal exchanges among the naval big five regarding the Pacific Qualifications and the meeting of the far eastern committee constituted the total of activities during the day. The Shantung conversations and the ques- tions of mines was discussed with no apparent progress and the fortifica- tions remained unsolved tonight de- spite receipt by the Japanese of par tial instructions from Tokio.
 By some of the delegates it was understood that an Inquiry might open up the whole question of Jap anese holdings in Manchuria, while in other quarters it was suggested that the resolution might by indirec- ton lead to review by the board of the famous "2l demands contro- versy.
 In that connection it was pointed out that whereas the boards duties in connection with future concessions would be confined under the terms of the resolution to investigation and report it would be authorized to in- quire into existing concessions flor the purpose of endeavoring tc arrive at satisfactory adjustment on equita- ble terms" Many questions regard ing the meaning of the resolution were asked of Secretary Hughes and answered by him during the commit tee meeting, but there still was ap- parent among the delegates tonight 8 divergence of view as to the exact powers which might be assumed by the new board.
 Chinn Pleased
 In the Chinese delegation the Amer ican plan was hailed as a long step in the direction of restored Chinese integrity. By American spokesrhen a similar view was expressed, but most of the other delegations with i hold comment. The proposal had talk en them by surprise and when they realized it's possible extent they all indicated that minute study of de- tails would be necessary before ac- ton could be taken
 So completely unexpected was the in fact. that when Secre- tsry Hughes hsc completed its read ing at the committee meeting there was an interim of silence which dele gates said became embarrassing be- fore it was broken. After tha several 1 delegations had waited for some time 1 without any one volunteering to open | Senator Schanzer, read of | the Italians, rose and asked ques- ton about the meaning of some of I the provisions. Secretary Hughes reply opened up general discussion, which continued with some anima- ton for three hours.