24 SEPTEMBER 1921, Page 2

It is good to know that the American and Japanese

Govern- ments have come to an agreement about the ex-German islet of Yap, in the Pacific, for which Japan received a mandate from the Allied Powers. The Americans are to have free access to Yap for the purposes of their cable station. In all other respects Japan's mandatory powers are to be recognized by America. Moreover, Japan has offered to restore Kiaochau. to China on conditions that seem to be not unreasonable. Japan asks China to open Kiaochau and other townain Shantung to traders of all nations, to co-operate with Japan in working the railway to Tainanfu, and to allow capitalists of all the Powers interested

in China to construct a railway beyond Tsinanf a. Japan promises to withdraw her railway guards as soon as China establishes a railway police force. The Chinese Foreign Office moves slowly, but it ought to take Japan at her word and settle a question that has remained open far too long.