Aug. 5
So far as can be gathered from the information available, the proposed agreement for the solution of the Outside Reads problem has been forwarded to the Consuls in Shanghai and has been under consideration them. No doubt they have [a communicated to their respective Governments the main features of the scheme. Tt is not dificult to imagine that the possibility. of removing this very "vexed question out of the category or bunting issues. will win for the cal te OF all and' Washing ton. "Both the British and American Governments, through their diplomatic represent in China, have long expre view that the solution of Outside Roads problem primarily a matter for the Shanghai Municipal Council to determine by negotiation direct with the Chinese authority Whether that view is consistent with the Land Regulations is at the moment an academic issue. The point is that the (council has accepted it in good faith and, b; the exercise of patience In frien ly discussion with the Municipality, of Greater, Shanghai which has, on its sid@ shown commendable cordiality and a sound spirit of statesmanship has managed to arrive at a draft agreement. acceptable to both parties on the basis of honowrable compromise. If this agreement receives the final touch which makes it the definite instrument of a modus vivendi the Council and the Municipality' will deserve high praise for a workmanlike and sensible piece "of practical diplomacy. Apart {from the immediate points at issue, it should further benefit Shanghai by encouraging the application of similar qualities understanding and for-10 other stubborn con-
Much has been said about the agreement, The public has not yet been able to judge for itself the merits or demerits of the proposals which it embed That was inevitable during the delicate stages of negotiation. Now that the draft has passed from the Council to the Consuls, the publication of it will become the next step towards a final ratification. The Council has already indicated its intention to follow this course which is, indeed, essential if, as seems probable, the considered verdict of the Ratepayers, in meeting assembled, will be sought before signature is finally given to it It might be well if the Council's could. be given early effect and publication were made before many more days of the present month have passed. Although the Council is in recess there is reason to believe that no obstacle to such publication exists. The advantage of reducing delay to a minimum is fo be found in the greater opportunity given for consideration of the proposals before the process of formally consulting the Rat payers is attempted. Dispassionate and long-sighted considera-_ tion is more readily attain-fable if it has ample time at its disposal, That such considera-in any event. Tt is likely to be all the more desirable. because signs have been given of definite opposition to the idea of signing the agreement at all.
Statements in the Japanese press have left no doubt of the jsouree from which this opposi tion is likely to derive inspira. tion. There have been specious rgtuments which have disregard Jed entirely whatever merits the agreement may possss bue have instigated objection with the view of forcing a reference of the whole Shanghai problem to jo Round Table Conference. This is a mere tactical device which cynically intruded to jeoparise the removal of a long standing menace to" Shanghai's security in the hope of inducing. China and the Powers to depart from an attitude, well-defined jand well-understood. "It seeks to entice the other foreign interests into a position in. which they may be made to appear associates in a policy deliberately rejected ey them. The suggestion. that 1s0 palpable a manoeuvre would have any chance of success has only to be made to be firmly and courteously The real point to is a sincere desire to arrive at agreed settlement. issue which, complicated and delicate as it is, can not be allowed to remain unclosed much longer without imperilling beyond repair the vital interests the International Settlement and Jof Shanghat as a whole. Judg-materi the agreement itself ust de deferred until it is avail-fable for public consideration. It is sufficient here to state, in the most unequivocal terms, that on those who, for reasons not ger-to the actual problem in.
attempt to obstruct or destroy it, the gravest responsibility will rest. Reliance has been placed on the Feetham Report; that document however must be taken a3 a whole. The: essence of it is to be found in its insistence on the value of negotiation and gradual elimina tion of outstanding difficulties. Whether the agreement proposed {sin every detail conformable with Mr. Justice. Feetham's recommendations is immaterial That the spirit of its concep-fon and completion is in accord with his general appreciation of the problem there can be no manner. of doubt. It is to be oped that, in the light thrown jon this vital question by the rly publication of the, draft, fatesmanship will come to the rescue and dissolve factious opposition which appears unfortunately to have taken the field.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.