Evening star., 1921-12-17
OLD RIVALRY RISES
AS ARMS SPECTER
England and France Again
Antagonists, With Foe Of
Both Broken.
BY JUNIUs b. WOOD.

The rivalry of England and France.
theme of romance and war since civil
ization. came to the west. has crossed
from the far east to vex the arma-
ment conference.
A changed world, remade by the war;
and the meteoric rise of Japan aiter
the conditions from the days Of cross
bows and lances, but the spirit BE-
tween the two nations is the same.
With Germany broken. common
enemy no longer unites them' anu anu
their paths again diverge, as tney
have through all previous history j.,
France wants 350,000 tons OF capltai
ships. The first public announcement
of it came from the British delega-
tion-the skilled publieists recosni-
ton of the value of reaching the puo-
lie ear first.
Frances plans interfere with Great
Britain's scheme Of fleet distribution.
With that disturbed. they also 1eop-
ardize the agreement between GREAT
Britain, United States and Japan for
naval reduction.
Alternative for America.
The British delegation says that If
France persists" it may be necessary
ships of the three powers, though
they are willing that the ratio con-
tinue at $3.50. If Great Britain can
not reduce her tonnage, 1t is hardiy
probable that the United States VIII
Britain with a SIS ratio. The Ameri.
can program Of "the worlds greatest
navy may be the other alternative,
though every effort is now beins
made to 5orestaIl any such disastrous
end for the conference.
te- hn
the causes which lead up to 1t can De
stated with equal brevity. With the
German navy dissolved the North sea
ceased to be the center OF gravity TOT
the British navy It can an CRUISE fissta IN
ranean is the nearest, and there are
france and Italy-a British fleet in
the sea which separates their main
land from their colonies in Africa.
The disappearance OF the German aan
possible the plans. though they have
not been officially accepted by the
admiralty, for a British fleet IN
Asiatic waters. with base at Slnga.
pore. There also France is anected
and needs more ships to protect her
richest colony. Saigon. Also with the
plans already announced for Slo0.ooo.-
fj) Of fortifications and naval bases
in the Dutch East Indies. and no re-
strictions on The Netherlands as to
naval OullQlns, tneTe 10 o"Os.
for French foresight in planning
navy. ,. .,
dismantle Gibraltar. which commands
frances passage between the Medi-
terranean and the Atlantic. OF 70 re.
need such large navy. An agree
ment as to British naval bases IN the
pacif,c. which are not mentioned. eX-
cent Hongkong Island, also would re-
Iieve the tension.
Attitude OF Nations.
Italy does not join in the French
program for an increased navy: II
! France secures the increase; ltaiy
must 20 to the expense of building a
| .imiIar navy, something which she Is
unwilling to do. Japan Is non-com'
| initial and the British delegation ex-
pressed dignified disapproval: Mem.
bers Of the American delegation were
more outspoken.
hody and is out to sabotage any move
ment for world peace" was the ex,
| nresssion Of one American. indignant
| to the verge Of tears at the unexpect'
I'd climax in the conference.
'Tf.France persists IN M its presen. pnasarencI ue.
that it will fail Of its purpose; ne
continued. "The conference deliber.
ately laid aside the movement Tor tne
reduction Of land armament a, a,
frances request. France was taker
into the four-power pact over the is'
lands in the Pacific. She has beer
given everything she asked for. Hel
delegates have made her demands II
rotation, secured them and left. Thi:
last one is too much.
| Russia is an interest in common be-
tween France and Japan, which may
bring them into accord on France!
present position: While France b!
| means Of Poland has been harassini
Russia on the west. Japan through
her own army and navy has beer
following the same program in tn
east. There is considerable basis fol
Russia's charge that the hostile in
cursions Of both are part Of a pre-
ment Of the loans she made to Russis
in the past. Japan wants obligation
on Russia for the future. For botl
the arrangement is good. If Russis
ever turns to face one, the other vii
be at her back.
| Copyright. 1917