The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-05-31
NATIONS RESPOND
s,,e!RYAN' PEACE
Plan EAvORABLY
Eight Nations Ask That
Suggestions Be Sub
mitted in Regard
to Details
DIR. P. M. RIxEY

Washington. May 30. Secretary
Bryan signalized the day commemora-
tive of the country's hero dead by an
nouncing that eight nations have re-
asking that suggestions be submitted
in regard to the details. The nations
in the order in which they have ac-
cepted are Italy, Great Britain, France,
Rrazil, sweden. Norway. Peru and Rus
sia.
Secretary Bryan said that no nation
to whom his peace plan was submitted
had replied adversely although some
had asked more time for consideration
To each of the governments express
ing a Willingness to enter into the
agreement, a tentative statement has
been submitted embodying details sug-
gested by the President. The secretary,
pointing out that this statement was
submitted for consideration, with no
intention OF insistence upon any par
ticular detail, declined to make public
its contents.
Bryan Makes Statement
Mr.. Bryan discussed the progress of
his plan in the following statement:
ut will be remembered that about a
month ago a plan was, by the Presi-
dents direction, submitted to all the
governments having representatives
here, the plan being, in substance, as
follows:
First, that the United States is pre-
pared to enter into an agreement with
each and every country severally pro-
viding for the investigation of all dis
putes of every character and nature by
an International commission, the con-
tracing parties agreeing not to de-
clare war or begin hostilities until such
investigation is made and report sub
mitted
Second, the Investigation to be con-
Quoted, as a matter of course, upon the
initiative of the commission, without the
formality of request from either party.
Third, the report to be submitted with
in given time, the time to be agreed
upon.
Fourth, the parties to reserve the right
to act independently on the subject mat
ter in dispute after the report Is sub
mitted.
1.-The composition of the commission was
matter of detail to be agreed upon BY
the contracting pdrllcs, tiie tiiiic, uisos
In which the report should be submitted
was a matter of detail to be agreed upon
by the contracting parties
Eight nations have, up to this time,
responded favorably, some indorsing the
principle and asking that suggestions be
submitted in regard to the details, others
replying that the proposition is received
sympathetieally and expressing willing
ness to consider details The nations, in
order in which they have accepted, are
Italy. Great Britain France, Brazil,
Sweden, Norway, Peru and Russia.
..To those expressing willingness 10
confer in regard to the details, tentd
tive, statement has been submitted, en-
bodying details suggested by the Presi
dent: this statement being Submitted for
consideration however, with no intention
of insisting upon any particular detail.
The exact phraseology of the agreements
NAV not be the same in all cases If
the principle is indorsed the government
Is willing to confer with open mind as
to minor points t
Speaking of the reception his plan has
received. Mr.. Bryan observed that with
in the past two months three arbitration
treaties have been renewed for a period
of five wears The treaties renewed are
with France. Italy and Spain. and Pres
tdent Wilson has announced his willing
moss 10 renew similar conventions with
Great Britain, Japan, Norway, Sweden
and Portugal ..ls.