The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-12-11
BLISS OFFERS PLAN
FOR DISARMAMENT
Suggests United States Make
Definite Proposals for
Limitations.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 10.--Gen. Tasl1er
delphia Public Ledger peace conference
forum here tonight suggested the United
States take the lead In definite pro-
posal and demand for a reasonable
limitation of armament"
IF a refusal of European nations to
abide by their agreement in the peace
treaty forces the United States also to
continue In the mad race for arma-
ments," Gen. Bliss said, the time may
come when they will have more fear
Of the United States than they have
ghad of themselves.
II think it lies with you" the Cen
eral said to his audience. whether we
shall take this momentous step. And I
hope that you will feel as do that we
shall be recreant to our duty to human
ity If we do not take that step"
Gen. Bliss, who was a member of the
American peace commission, spoke or
the limitations OF ornaments, his being
the first Of n series of talks at the forum
by men who took part In the peace con-
ference activities. The talks are being
given under the supervision OF Col.
10. Fl. House. who also was q member of
the commission.
The Russian Problem.
THE situation in Russia is undoubt-
eddy great obstacle to International
disarmament" Gen. Bliss said, "and un-
less the world unites to employ arms
against that country he knew of moth
ing to do but wait till that problem
solves itself. 1t Is inconceivable he
added, that the Russian problem will
not at some time be solved and will no
longer hinder the solution of the other
one.
Those of you are mistaken who may
think that there can be an enduring
and effective association of the nations
for the maintenance of peace so long
as those nations are armed to the teeth
solely against each other" said TIE
General. And those are mistaken who
think that SO long as the present mill
tary system exists, there can be any
successful International court OF arbi-
tration."
After describing the work done at the
peace conference, where IL was decreed
Germany should reduce her military
power below where It would no longer
be menace 10 other nations and the
cost and westefulness of the world war
Gen. Bliss said he thought there was
sufficient reason 20 apprehend that
future wars. whether more infrequent
or not, will come with increasing sud-
denncss, will be Of increasing magnl-
tude and intensity and will be an in
creaslng menace to our civilization"
we arc saying to the world. We do
not wish to join in any formal associa-
..on with YOU because we fear II Will
not make for our peace, but war. They
are saying 20 US, We want you be-
cause without you there can be no con-
tinued peace Why should not the
United States say to the nations. We
will take YOU at your word and viii
test IL to decide its worth. VIII you,
tho nations that accepted the preamble
70 the military peace. terms with Ger
many. sign this further document with
US?
1--WE will agree With you that eacn
ma ton that so desires shall keep and
build whatever frontier and coast forth-
cations II wishes. Fort!iications cannot
stride across the earth, devastating helds
ana destroying cities.
1--WE will agree with you that each
nation may maiNtain its navy. NO navy
without an army can conquer and mold
foreign territory.
1--WE will agree with you on Date
when we shall simultaneously Abolish
any military system which Is solely
for international war.