New-York tribune., 1907-05-10
ENGLAND MAY CHANGE.
Expected to Modify attitude on
Discussion of ornaments.

st Petersburg. May 9-The negotiations be-
tween the powers on the programme for the
peace conference are again at interesting
stage. 1t is believed in diplomatic circles that a
definite change OF attitude by Great Britain
toward the question Of discussing the limitation
Of armaments is contemplated. It is not ex-
pected that Great Britain will withdraw entirely
her proposal TO discuss this. but that. by mod
ifcation of both its substance and the manner
of presenting it. she will make it possible for
the conference to shelve it without placing any
Of the powers in the embarrassing position of
opposing the proposal or abstanng from its dis
cussion. The ambassador of a leading Conti-
mental power, in expressing the hope that such
action might be taken. said that otherwise most
serious difficulties We're scarcely avoidable.
1t is considered significant that special dis
patch from Rome published here with the ap-
proval Of NJ. dIswolsky Minister of Foreign Az
fairs, says that Italy mas not yet reached def
Mite accord with the other two members of the
Triple Alliance in regard the proposal but
considers herself absoved from her earlier dec
Iaratlon In favor OF the British position by Ger
manys refusal to take part in such a discussion
owing to the absence of solidarity on the part Of
the other powers. 4 definite statement from
SignOr Tittoni. the Italian Foreign Minister is
expected next week
The following details OF a tentative solution
Of the problem which centres In the proposal to
discuss the limitation of ornaments OBJ
talned here to-day from an authoritative source
formally sounded on the matter, replied that the
complete abandonment of the disarmament pro-
pOSal IInpractiCable for internal rea sons
but realizing that beneficent results were not to
be expected, II was not disposed to insist upon
the discussion of this question by the conference
Great Britain will present her attitude formally
but not in an Objectionable form, Whereupon It
Is proposed that the president Of the conference
announce that Austria, Germany, Russia and
probably Italy, opposed the discussion
Great Britain viii then withdraw her proposal
in order 10 avoid the creation of an embarrasS-
ing situation. The assent of America to this is
naturally regarded as necessary. but it is hoped
II may be obtained.
Pending a settlement of this delicate question
Russia has done practically nothing toward the
formulation Of definite propositions regarding
the regulation of marine warfare and other
points on the programme for submission TO the
conference.
NJ Nelidoff, the Russian Ambassador to
plans 10 consult with the Foreign Office NJ
Martens and naval and military experts con-
cerning the programme, but illness has pre-
vented his beginning this work
London, May 9-Speaking at Manchester to-
night, Sir Henry Campbell -Bannerman expressed
the keen disappointment of the government at
the refusal of Germany to discuss the question
of the limitations OF armameuts at The Hague
conference. He said, however, he did not despair
OF something yet being done although its ac-
complishment would be attended in the present
circumstances by great difficulties.