The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-12-31
NAVAL MOVE
BETTER THAN
The |. OF N.
Movement To Limit Sea Power
Is Spreading Fast.
Other Big Powers Ready To
Follow L. s. Example.
AMERICA MUST Be FIRST
With Britain and Japan Only
Naval Powers Left.
French Express Willingness To
Enter Into New Pact.
Other Big Powers Ready To
Follow L. S. Example.
AMERICA MUST Be FIRST
With Britain and Japan Only
Naval Powers Left.
BY ]. w. T. MASON.


New York, Dec. 31.-The movement
for Limitation of naval construction is
spreading so fast thruout the world as
to make it n more Immediately effec-
tive instrument for world peace than
the League of Nations.
America controls the worlds naval
situation. Whatever the United States
says will be DONE America alone has
the financial resources sufficient for
an indefinite expansion of warship
construction. If America is willing to
declare a naval holiday, the other
powers will eagerly seize the oppor-
tunity to cut down their own expendi-
lures.
BE Better Than League.
A conference of the worlds naval
powers to meet at Washington at the
invitation of the United States would
do more to guard civilization against
the outbreak of another war than the
meeting OF the assembly of the League
OF Nations at Geneva was able to do
Complete disarmament cannot come at
once. because the risk is too great; but
the first stage is TO limit warship
building. America alone can inspire
this program because America con-
trolls the worlds balance of power.
There are now only three nayal ma
tions of major rank. They are the
United States. Great Britain and
Japan. The key to the problem of
naval retrenchment is the proportional
future strength in warships which
these nations shall possess.
Must Protect Seaboard.
The United States. with two vast
seaboards to protect, and Great Brit
ain. with the outlying parts of the
British empire to safeguard. are en-
titled to heavier naval insurance
against unforeseen possibilities than
Japan When Americas present ma
val program is completed. the
strength OF the American and British
navies will be about equaf. Japan VIII
have about so per cent of Americas
power That proportion is a fit COM
promise.
II an agreement is reached for a
continuance of the same relative
strength, the problem Will be solved.
Franco Would Join.
Paris. Dec. 31-France will be glad
to Join in an international conference
on disarmament when German pock-
cts have been emptied of concealed
pistols" the French foreign office told
the United Press today.
A high official. declared France Sc
cretly had begun partial disarma ament
but developments in Germany made it
impossible to proceed with that pro-
gram.
IF the United States will join in
forcing Germany to empty her pock-
cts of concealed pistols, France will
be delighted to join in a general dis
arna ament scheme" this official said
today.
"An agreement will be of tremend-
Gus benefit, freeing the masses from
the terrific taxation. But there can
he 80 thought OF disarmament until
Germany disarms."
Has Halted Program.
France had halted her naval pro-
gram. he declared, and begun reduce
ing her military program when the
German foreign minister refused the
allied demand that he disarm the Ba-
varian civil guard.
Having cut compulsory military
service to eighteen months" he said,
France was the first world power
actually to begin carrying out prom
ises of disarmament"
The French press refrained from
comment today on the German situa-
ton, the government having requested
IL. 1t was feared the country might
be stirred too greatly in view of the
recent resignation of Minister of War
Lefevre. dismayed at Frances refusal
to- carry cut extensive war prepara-
tions
British Are Anxious.
London. Dec. S1.-British foreign
office officials today expressed great
interest in reports from Washington
that Great Britain had ADVISED Japan
not to press opposition to the Cali
fornia alien land law.
While they denied there had been
any official action in London. it was
assumed that some high diplomatic
officers may have suggested to Jap
anese representatives that they should
not agftate the question now.
II the matter was laid before Jap
anese representatives, it was said. Il
was incidental to conversations taking
place in various capitals with a view
to benefiting the world situation.
Officially. the foreign office would
have no interest in the settlement OF
American affairs. il was indicated. and
II advice were given, it was not in ths
way of a special incident but to aiG
In the bringing of general peace
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