The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-12-27
!. Paris Mandate Tells Washing
= ton Delegates "Stand Pat"
Will Not Reeede From Demand
for 10000 Tons Subs.
may CALL NEW CONFERENCE
Americans Now Consider New
Way of Agreement.
Italy Wants Settlements of
Controversy Right Now.

controversy Right now
Washington, Dec. 27.-The calling
OF another conference for the linita-
ton of armament TO which other ma
tions in addition to those now attend
ing the Washington meeting would be
invited, is now under consideration by
officials of this government, it was
disclosed this afternoon.
Such a conference will certainly be
called if the present conference fails
to reach an agreement on the subTna-
rine question and other auxiliary fight
ing craft. it was stated officially.
Frances demand for 100000 tons of
ubmarines-equality with the United
States and Great Britain-win not be
consented to by the other powers at
tending the Washington conference.
~ French Reject Offer.
II This was the first reaction in confer
ence quarters this afternoon following
advices from Paris that the French
government has rejected the American
compromise program and instructed
its delegation here to press for the
10000 ton fleet.
The instructions had not been re
ceived by the delegation here early
this afternoon, but it was stated that
the Paris advices were not surpris-
ing"
A
that the proposal of calling another
conference has been discussed in
formally with foreign representatives
now here and that the sentiment
toward it has been found to be favor
able.
Issue Call "Soon"
It was emphasized that the call for
such a conference, however would
develop very soon" if the present
parley fails to attain its aims as
seemed not improbable this afternoon,
in view of the French dispatches re-
porting French objection of the
American compromise program on
submarines.
Any hope that the Washington con-
ference would attempt to deal drast-
ically with the question Of land dis
armament were dispelled today when
it was officially announced that Great
Britain's military experts, headed by
the earl of Cavan, will leave here De-
cember 81 to return to England.
American Position Not Rigid.
There is nothing rigid, however,
about the American position and it
was said today that if the foreign dele
cations insist the submarine question
going over, this government will bow
to the will of the majority. American
dislike for such course, however. IS
apparent.
Behind the suggestions for passing
up the submarines in the present con-
ference lies the frank desire of the
foreign visitors to go home as quickly
as possible. The conference is now in
it's sixth week. most of the delegates
here have been absent from their
home posts for more than two months
and unless there are some unlocked
for quick decisions. the Washington
conference cannot possibly end before
the last of January, or even later.
Ahead of the conference and yet to
be disposed of are numerous questions
relating to China, including the two
big questions of Shantung and the
twenty-one demands and the whole
question of Siberia.
Italy Not Satisfied.
Postponement of a decision on the
submarine problem until a future con-
ference would be unacceptable to
Italy, it was stated by the spokesmen>
of the Italian delegation today
This announcement from the italian
spokesman was coupled with a strong
intimation that Italy is dissatisfied
with the trend of events over the
. naval program.
p The net result of the naval lirnita-
ton to date, from Italy's point of view,
it was stated is that Italy will have
to increase her expenditures rather
than decrease them. Italy hoped for
a drastic reduction of all tonnage, so
that she would be on parity with
France without having to undertake
new building.
Italy's chief objection to postpone
ment of the submarine settlement, it
was said. was that she would be left
in an inferior position as compared
with France. Italy has about 10000 i
tons of submersibles, compared with
Frances 10000
Paris Says "Stand Pat"
Paris, Dec. 27.-The French delega-
ton at the Washington conference has
been instructed to maintain the
French demand for 10000 tons of !
cruiser submarines, it was learned this |
evening. It is understood that the |
French admiralty sent the instructions |
following a cabinet council, to con- |
slider the naval issue at Washington.
A deadlock on the submarine ques- |
ton which may make it necessary to !
refer the subject to n future confer
ence now is threatened. :
France desires small nations to par J
ticipate if another conference Is held /
Reports were current that France !
might accept the capital ship tonnage
proposed by Secretary OF State Hughes !
if the powers grant concessions on i
submarines and defensive cruisers.
WILL RATIFY COLOMBIAN PACT.