New-York tribune., 1921-09-26
Britain Wants
Pacific Issues
Settled First
Leaders Believe Plans for
Disarming Arc Futile
Unless Adjustment ia
the Far East Is Reached
Government Tasks Heavy
Unemployment and Irish
Problems Press for an
Im III G diatc Solution
By Arthur S. Draper
From, The T-ibune's European Bureau
Copyright, 1921, New York Tribune Inc.

Copyright 1921. New York Tribune Inc
LONDON, Sept. 25.~-In both intcrna-
tional and domestic affairs this week
promises to bring forth decisions of
profound Importance to every class in
Great Britain. Premier Lloyd George
Is still on his vacation in the Scottish
Highlands, but he is giving personal at
tention to three pressing problems.
The government has had no greater
task in the last three years than solv-
ing the tremendous problem Of finding
relief for the widespread unemployment
Some method of casing the present ten
sion must be found quickly or there is
real danger of a series of unpleasant
dcmonstra tions.
Then, the Irish situation cannot be
left where it is without jeopardizing
the possibility Of settlement of the
long-standing differences.
Finally, important decisions must be
made regarding the Washington con-
ference on the limitat ton of armament,
now only six weeks distant.
Jobs Problem Most Pressing
Naturally the British are most inter-
ested in the problem of unemployment,
for 1t affects them intimately and is
easily visualizcd, but they are also
following the Irish negotiations closely.
Thus far, except among the labor lead
ers, little interest has been shown in
the plans for the Washington confer
ence, but some OF the newspapers and
weeklies arc beginning to emphasize
the Importance Of the gathering Presi-
dent Harding has called.
The Sunday Observer which usu-
ally reflects the government view.
says:
"Thc conference must succeed be-
cause, for all the parties to it, it
were better that it had never been
called than that it should fail. And
it must succeed if the world is to get
on The discussion in the assembly
representing fifty nations of the world
at Geneva shows that the world is
waiting for it,"
The "Observcr" calls the armament
conference second peace conference
-" Americas recovery of the initiative
which was let go when Wilson lost
power" But the "Observer" states
fatty that there must be an under
standing regarding America and the
League of Nations, with which it is
clear "other nations will conduct
their business"
Although tho Premier is concentrat-
ing on the problems of Ireland and
unemployment, permanent officials in
the State, War and Navy buildings in
Whitehall have been closely studying
the Washington agenda, and when
Lloyd George calls Cabinet council at
the end of this week, or the beginning
of next he will have reached a clearly
defined policy for the governmeut's
delegates to follow.
First Interest in Far East
Already it is apparent that Great
Brtain's first interest will be a DO.
litical settlement for the Far East
! and unless the conference can come
to an agreement on this, little progress
will be made toward reduction OF
armaments.
To those who have been studying the
agenda. the only logical method Seems
to be the discussion at the outset of al
questions arising in the Pacific.
Andrew Bonar Law is now almost Ger
tain to head the British delegation i,
his health permits him to make the trip
Winston Churchill may be one of hi:
colleagues, and Sir Eric Geddes also i:
| likely to be a member of the delega
ton Much depends on the progres
that. will be made in handling the un
employment and Irish problems, bu
whatever happens, the government in.
tends TO be represented by strong
| delepation