The New York herald., 1921-07-14
Holds Separate Conference
on Far Eastern Problems
Would Endanger En-
tire Project.
AIMS AT ROOT OF WAR
Harding Would First Try
to Remove Causes for
Countries Keeping
Big Navies.
WORLD PACT FORESEEN
Expected That an Association
of Nations Will Be One Of
Main Results of De-
liberations.
WORLD PACT FORESEEN
Special Despatch to THE New YORK HERALD
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. C., July 13.

hpcctdt Dc5pOLcn 70 HE NEW Aphh AhEAaAee
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. c., July Is J
President Harding, 1t was made
known today, is convinced that the
only practical way to solve the dis
armament and Pacific problems Is by
considering them as one. He is not
likely 10 LOOK with approval upon any
proposal for a division of the interna-
tional conference he has called. such
as would be involved in separate dis
cussions Of Pacific and Far Eastern
problems IN London in advance of a
disarmament parley in Washington.
II became more evident to-day that
the proposed conference is exactly IN
line with the plan Mr.. Harding has
had in mind ever since his election
last November. On December 10 last
THE New York HERALD printed an ex-
elusive despatch from Marion. Ohio,
outlining the Harding plan, just as 1t
is now wording out.
At that time 1t was explained that
Mr. Harding's slogan was lets get
together and talk it over; that he
favored bringing the great Powers into
a friendly understanding; that he be-
lieved the peace of the world could
be pledged by the United States plus
the other great Powers, and that while
he was not ready to cencede that the
time was ripe for total disarmament
he looked upon the naval power OF the
United States and few other nations
as a guaranty of peace rather than
war.
Official acceptances Of the Presidents
informal invitation have now been re-
ceived from Great Britain, France and
Italy. There has been some delay in
receiving the actual message OF ac-
ceptance from Japan, but unofficial as
surances have been received.
Japans silence might be regarded as
| ominous in ordinary circumstances, but
IL is not doubted that Japan will parti-
| cipate, and the delay in accepting is
ascribed TO difficulties in communica-
| ton
II is officially assumed here that
Japan is as anxious to participate in the
conference as the United States and ex-
actly for the same reason-to eliminate
danger of friction in the Pacific.
Acceptnnces Were Hearty.
The State Department declined TO
make public the texts OF the official ac-
ceptances Of the invitation thus far re-
ceived. but II was explained that shey
were of hearty and approving char
acter.
The Administra tion's opinion that the
conference should not be divided and
that Il should be held in Washington
was brought forth by tha publication OF
reports that the British Dominion Pre-
miers want Far Eastern conference in
London 10 precede the disarmament con-
| ference here state Department off
| cials refused to comment officially on
this suggestion. ou; IL IS possible 70
\ state the attitude OF the Washington
! Government with authority.
1t is believed by President Harding
and Secretary Hughes that discussion or
disarmament can get nowhere without
taking into consideration the cause OF
naval armsments. and that division
OF the subjects would ondanger the sue
cess OF the entire programme
The reason for the desire TO have the
conference in Washington is evident
The American people do not rub shoul-
ders daily with International affairs as
/ do Europeans. and IN presentng any
programme the Administration desires
I To have behind Il an awakened public
/ that II may meet reader approval IL
/ IA believed the foreign Powers viii recog-
n:ze the psychological value of this sug-
4 gestion. 4
! That there is really serious desire
to divide the conference Is doubted here.
but In any event II Is clear that thiss
Government will oppose any such plan.
]. Is also clear that the acceptances
/ thus far received have been given with
complete cognizance OF the character OF
! President Hardings invitation which
proposes that the conference be held IN
! Washington and that the two questions
\ BE- considered simultaneously.
world Association seen.
/ Further consideration of the proposed
! conference increases the belief here that
out Of Il will come the germ of President
Hardng's ideal Of an association OF
nations This belief Is based on the
! theory that consideration OF an associa-
tion OF nations and the establishment
OF world court are necessarily part OF
any programme for the limitation OF
! armamcnts.
/ II II pointed out that the proportion Of
/ limitation of arnaments among the
naval Powers is necessarily the rock on
which the conference may split and
/ that nations uay desire TO sock protec-
tIon under any agreements reached. by
( appeal 10 an international judicial tri-
bunal where right and justice may be
relied upon to prevail.
INr eNap1nle lie stirCceted that
/ Japan may take exception TO any plan
which would limit her to armament lees
than that OF the United States and OF
Great Britain. while this country would
be equally likely 10 question the wtsdom
| ~ limiting her ouu arraan,art ff aha