Evening star., 1920-12-12
Senator'S Approve
Effort to,Cut
Arnlanents.
COMMISSION MAY
TAKE UP TASK
Scheme Suggested as
Substitute for
League,
by G. GOULD LINCOLN.

w I'LL lHc "Oi III ldSih5 OckAHAA 0PS>s'
while the nations continue to ap-
propriate billions for armament.
strong sentiment is developing in the
Senate of the United States for some
plan that will result in a worldwide
reduction of armament.
A new international commission on
disarmament. with the United States
participating. may be proposed as a
substitute for the Walsh resolution
urging cooperation of this country
with the league of nations for that
purpose, it was learned last night.
The Senate foreign relations commit
tee, to which the Walsh resolution
was referred, will have the task of
working out a substitute plan.
The Walsh resolution struck an an
ewering chord even among senators
who are opposed 10 the league of ma
tions. But any substitute that may
be offered would ignore the league. in
all probability, but would provide for
the appointment of representatives of
the United States to act with those of
other nations independent OF the
league.
May BE League Substitute.
Such a plan may be undertaken as
a substitute for the league of nations
itself. The primary object of the re-
duction of armament would be world
peace. with eventual disarmament, ex-
cept for such forces as might be need
ed for police work within the nations
themselves.
Congress is face to face with esti-
mates of more than 81. 500. 100000 for
the Army and the Navy for the next
fiscal year. q sum far in excess OF the
total aps6 6pfiatiyag for the ertire
goxzfnment prior % the war. In Eu-
rope the allied natigns owe the United
States. approximately. 100000 100000.
and. in addition. they have purchased
some $4,000. .00e. 900 worth of goods.
, for which they have little chance of
making payment for long time. Yet
armament appropriations are on the
increase. Germany is facing the pay
ment of huge indemnity and every
cent she can save on armament will
be a help to her people.
Senator Borah of Idaho. member of
the foreign relations committee and
an irreconcilabIe foe of the league
of nations. indicated that he would
favor the United States entering into
looking to simultaneous reduction
in armament. He said, however, that
1t would have to be without regard
to the league of nations. and that be-
fore it could be seriously undertaken
Great Britain would have to acknowl-
edge the principle of the freedom of
the seas.
MsCumber Favors Plan.
No reason exists, in the opinion
of Senator McCumber of North Da-
kota. ranking republican member of
the foreign relations committee, why
the United States could not take it's
part in an international agreement
for a reduction in armament, even
under such a resolution as that Of.
fered by Senator Walsh.
However" continued Senator Nc
Cumber. Il believe that this question
after March 4. when the Harding ad-
ministration comes into power. along
with the entire question of an asso-
citation of nations"
He expressed himself as entirely
favorable to plan for reduction i'm arm
aments
Senator Poindexter of Washington
M hat he. hal hat xyntlld hs.
a wise step for the Senate and
House 10 put through a resolution
providing for an international COM
mission to bring about reduction
of armaments, and for the Americap o
representative to be appointed. 1t
would show the world, he said, the
attitude of the United States toward
disarmament.
Must BE Simultaneous.
Disarmament to be practical would
have TO be Simultaneous said SEN
ator Poindexter. We would never
agree TO reduction in the armament
of the United States unless the other
nations agreed u disarm at the same
time"
plan, said Senator Poindexter. look
upon it as a means of putting an end
TO war. Yam not so certain that
would be the result" Senator Poin-
dexter said, but at least it would
lift tremendous burden of taxa
tion from the backs of the peoples
~s the world. For centuries man has
been ready to fight for what he
thought were his rights, and he may
continue so. But one thing is GER
tain, il there is to be any real dis
armament put into effect. England
must agree TO reduction in her
navy and France to reduction in
her army. and understand both
have refused to take such steps"
Senator Dillingham; of Vermont, re-
publican. expressed himself as favorable
to plan to limit and reduce arma :
ments. He said, however. that he
thought this was a problem that would
have to go over until the republican adj