New-York tribune., 1921-11-23
Keep OF the Grass!


From the lips of Messrs. BRAND,
Balfour, Hughes and others on
French day at the conference fell
such phrases as "inoral disarma-
ment," "the will to peace" and the
like. Such metaphors and general
expressions, of course, embody un-
doubted truths. But, alas, there can
be no complete reliance on their
saving grace! They bring painfully
to mind what happened to great
world hope when supreme master
of rhetoric sought to reach port by
wind of words.
The Washington conference has
had great success in so far as it
has considered specific proposals
rather than noble aspirations. Mr..
Hughes said: Let us scrap this
ship and that ship; let US limit our
selves hereafter to a definite num-
ber." Forthwith the world came in
sight of great settlement.
The same method, although less
clearly, has been applied to the
Pacific problem. We may be able to
get an agreement not merely that
the territorial integrity of China is
to be respected but that particular
Leases" are to be cancelled; that
not merely is China to have control
of her internal commerce. but that
Japan is to surrender her grin on
the Shantung railroad.
There is no solution of the land
disarmament problem, because it
has not been handled with a like
practically. rhis is not the fault
of France, but of her associates.
There is the Rhine, and beyond it
are peoples which cannot prudantly
be trusted. What can be done ?
Obviously to build a dixie strong
enough to keep out trouble. France
hegs for this. If it is granted she
offers to reduce further her defen-
sive army.
But there is no answer except
professions of sympathy and friend
ship. These are not enough. Yet
the gentlemen at Washington of
course plainly see that there can
be no concerted land disarmament
in Europe unless it's essential foun-
dation is laid.
Not being able to meet the argu-
ment and it's inevitable conclusion
there is retreat to the cover of
guarded verbal assurances. But ap-
parently recognizing the weakness
of this rejoinder something is added
to it. 1t is Ii non possu1n0s; the
reply is that though statesmen may
perceive the truth they cannot in
duce the peoples behind them to per-
ceive it, and hence it is not worth
while to make an attempt
No alliance is necessary. There
is no requirement to sign a docu-
ment to be laid before the Senate
All that seems needed is the post
ing of notice by President Har-
ding to keep off the grass. The
story of the Monroe Doctrine is full
of instruction. The Monroe Doc
trine was not established by treaty
was contained in mere Presi-
Dental declaration. Any succeed
ing President could have withdrawn
it. 1t infringed no prerogative of
the Senate or of Congress. Yet it
has stood, like the pyramids, the
most immovable Of American for
eign policies.
The Monroe Doctrine said that
this country would view with dis.
1avor European aggression against
American states. In similar fashion
President Harding may say that this
country would view with disfavcr
aggression of trans Rhine countries
against France. Were such a state.
ment made the likelihood of any
future President withdrawing il
would be SO slight that Great Britain
would doubtless reratify in due
form the French insurance treaty
and France, it may be assumed
would hasten to launch land dis
armament plan.
Is land disarmament sought
There is an easy road to it, bu
this road is not paved with words