Short Essay on the Washington Conference of 1921-22

In 1910, Japan had established its control over Korea and according to Russo-Japnesse pact the open-door policy was ended in Manchuria. Russia and Japan had established their sway over Manchuria and Korea respectively.

In 1914, when the entire world was engulfed in the flames of war, Japan began to occupy those provinces of China which were under the control of Germany. First, Japan established her control over Shantung and presented 21 demands before the government of China just to make her realize the superiority of Japan.

In case, China had consented to those demands, her entire freedom would have gone to dogs and China might have become a part of Japanese empire.

In 1917, according to a secret pact, the allies promised to Japan that at the time of Peace Conference as a return for the help given by the Japanese naval power, Japan would be rewarded and her right on the German islands would be confirmed. Japan endeavoured to expand her territory towards Vladivostok but later she had to give up the idea.

By the year 1919, when the Peace Settlement of Paris was inaugurated, Japan had captured many German islands. The Peace Settlement increased rivalry between Japan and America.

During the First World War Japan and America were friends but they were foes in matters of Far East. America had become doubtful towards Japan owing to her policies towards China and Japan.

Hence the relations between the two remained un cordial for three years after the Peace Settlement. The fundamental question was not of Shantung but the issue of Yap Island. This island was situated in western Caroline Islands.

It being a communication centre had ready significance. As this island was usurped forcibly from Germany and handed over to Japan for administration, so America was dissatisfied due to this incidence.

The summoning of Washington Conference was motivated by various attitudes of the big nations. America wanted to end the naval race which was going on since long with Britain. With the participation of Japan in this race, it seemed that the forces of both the countries would fight against each other.

America was fully aware that after the treaty of 1911 between England and Japan, if a war broke out between America and Japan, England would help her friend Japan. The behaviour of both the countries had proved during Peace Settlement that this treaty was the foundation of Japan’s Asian policy.

Therefore, when in 1920 England and Japan began to reconsider this treaty, it caused worry to America. Despite the assurance given to America by Britain that this treaty was in no way against her, America considered it a conspiracy against her.

In the beginning this treaty was concluded against Germany and Russia but since no action was taken against these countries, America began to understand that the treaty was actually concluded against her.

America was, therefore, very much worried by this treaty. Britain also wanted some amendments in this treaty, so the conference of Washington was summoned.

As a consequence of the war Japan had got some rights in the German islands in North Pacific Sea. She also received some facilities in Manchuria. It strengthened the position of Japan. Besides, Japan was made a permanent member of the League of Nations.

It proved that Japan was rising as a powerful country after the First World War. She began to be counted among the six big nations of the world.

President Harding invited Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan for taking part in the Washington Conference. China was also invited and later on Belgium, Netherlands and Portugal were also asked to take part in the proceedings of the Washington Conference.

In this conference which was inaugurated on 11th November, 1921 problems of disarma­ment, Pacific Sea and the Far East were discussed. Besides, several treaties concerning the two nations were signed. This Washington system continued to decide the political foundation of the Far East.