Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-08-21
Welcome, NJ. BRAND

| HE decision OF the French Primo Min
ister TO sit in the Washington disar-
moment conference in person as the head OF
his delegation is development of genuine
Importance. 1t means. first of ALL tina, Flu
rope is taking very seriously tho move
initiated by the American government TO
find basis for the limitation OF ornaments
Il means. in the next place that the gov
ernments participating will he Represented
by missions possessing full power to act
II NJ. Briand carries out his present plan
of coming TO Washington. it will be ex-
ceedinsly important. ii not literally ncccs-
sary. for Prime Minister Lloyd George of
Great Britain. 10 appear there in person
Italy probably will be represented by her
Premier and Japan will find herself at a
distinct disadvantage if her plenipotcntary
finds himself outrankcd by the statesmen OF
other powers, as he was outranked at the
Paris peace conference
y conference participated in By the actual
heads of the great governments concerned
would promise infinitely more satisfactory
results than conclave of mere delegates
each group reporting the proceedings to its
Foreign Office and each waiting from day
to day for instructions from home No
conclusion reached, of course oven If an
proved on the spot by the assembled Prime
Ministers. would be absolutely binding unon
the powers involved Legislative concur
renee might be necessary. as in the case of
the United States but il is obvious to all
interests that tho work OF the conference
would be enormously facilitated if il could
he accomplished without the necessity for
referring each step in the proceedings TO
foreign capitals for acQuiesccnce
There is another significant phase Of tho
hriahd announcement. This officials APP
pcarance in Washington doubtless means
that France will revive the proposal for n
tripartite treaty under which America and
Great Britain will guarantee the defense
Oh France against future German uggres-
sions, as condition precedent TO the re-
duction OF the size Of her standing army.
France has little concern in the question
OF limiting naval armamenis Her navy is
formidable, it is true. but il does no, rival
that.of Great Britain or the United States
or Japan. 1t had not been taken into con
sidcration in the original disarmament pro-
posals. but She still maintains the most eff
tectivc army in Europe. and with the cy-
ccnt!om OF the Soviet army perhaps the
largest armed land force on the continent
rms great military establishment is kent
intact out OF fear OF Germany Al the peace
conference the French expressed the de-
s.r" to return that establishment To a peace
basis, but felt that this would be a blunder
unless assurance were given by the United
states and Great Britain of armed assist
",Icc in III" event Germany should turn again
upon her ancient enemy. \ treaty CARRYING
OUT this !doa was proposed and the Amer
'ci.n Congress informed of the fact bv
PRESIDENT Wilson but the matter ended
there
whether or not the French are prepared
|" suggest again tho negotiation of such a
pact, all America will cordially welcome n
bF"hd and before he returns he will receive
at first hand the most genuine assuropc.
OF The affection and admiration of the Amer
lcan people for the heroic nation fro,,
which he comes