The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-01-17
DAYS JUST AHEAD
 MOST CRITICAL, IS DELEGATES OPINION
PIenipotentiarieS Find Them selves Faced by Problems Which Long Have Been
 Storm CenterS
By Associated Press

Washington, January 16.-The far eastern discussions of the arms con- ference are entering their final period of decision with most of the delegates protesting confidence in the outcome, but conceding privately that the days just ahead may be the most critical of the whole Washing ton negotiations.
 Having begun with a declared pol icy of disposing first of subjects upon which agreement appeared easiest the plenipotentiaries now find them selves confronted with decisions on the problems which long have been the storm centers of oriental politics enforcement of the open door, Shantung, the "21 demands" Manchu- ria and the Japenese operations in Siberia.
 All the delegations appeared to have adopted simultaneously an atti- tude of waiting so that except for collateral discussions on various points the work of the conference is at standstill.
 Japan Center of Conjecture
 The situation again has made Ja- pan the center of conjecture because of her outstanding position in the far east and because most of the prob lems now to be approached have arisen over policies and acts ema- hating from Tokio.
 Representatives of the other pow CTS are speculating to what extent the United tSates will go in reiterat- ing the many protests she has made in the past against Japanese moves in Shantung and elsewhere on the continent of Asia and In seeking an effective means by which readjust- ments may be brought about.
 Because the Washington govern ment has thus taken the lead in pro- testing heretofore, however. some of the delegates believe. Amrican off cials would not object if some other delegation now took upon it's shoul- ders the task of stating pointedly the desires of the powers regarding fu- ture Japanese Chinese relations But there Is no indication that any other power is preparing to do so.
 Must Protect Interests
 The Japanese. meantime. are await ing also but are throwing out sug- gestions that any attempt to force Japan's withdrawal from Shantung, Manchuria or Siberia, except on terms that will protect her interests is sure to meet with bitter and protracted opposition.
 Although not directly wrapped up in the general far eastern negotia- tions, the naval treaty, too, is wait ing for final approval and indica- tions are multiplying that it's sigma ture may be delayed until the far eastern problems are showing clearer indications of solution. In Japanese quarters a note of pessimism was sounded tonight over the prospect for an immediate settlement of the Pa cific Qualifications phase of the treaty, Japanese spokesmen calling particu- lar attention to the campaign of pro- test waging at home over the Brit ish fertilization plans.
 Discussion of open door was begun during the day at 8 meeting of far eastern committees of the confer ence which heard a declaration on the subject by Secretary Hughes after final action had been taken on the Chinese tariff program. The open door debate was inconclusive, cen tering about the question whether further action should be taken to maintain an effective equality of eco- homie opportunity in China. The committee will take up the subject again tomorrow
 Action Deferred
 At Mir. Hughes suggestion, the Chinese request for committee action on the 21 demands was deferred. 1t being argued that the demands" could not be properly discussed as long as the Shantung conversations were continuing. The Chinese raised no protest, but reiterated tonight their determination not to let their proposal be shouldered out of the conference.
 During the day the Japanese and Chinese met for the twenty seventh time to discuss Shantung, and all though they settled upon details for transfer to China of the administra- tive machinery of the Liaotung leased territory they indicated afterward that there were enough things yet to be talked over to occupy many meetings more.