[1] The most urgent issue was that of whether or not to renew the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, which was due to expire on 13 July 1921.

[3] Neither wanted their countries to be caught up in a war between the United States and Japan, and contrasted the generous assistance that Japan rendered during the First World War with the United States' disengagement from international affairs in its aftermath.

[4] "The British Empire", declared Hughes, "must have a reliable friend in the Pacific".

[6] As a result, no decision to renew was reached, and the alliance was allowed to expire.

The conference was hosted by King-Emperor George V, with his Prime Ministers and members of their respective cabinets:[8]