South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-21
FIRST FRTLT az SECRECY.

"A the first fruit OF that secrecy in the dsarma-
nent conference At washington there Is dragged
into the light the fact that having agreed upon
four-power treaty. the president and the four
American delegates differ 10 what 1t
Il ought not 20 be beyond reasonable demand
that any agreements made. be stated in such plain
and concise language that every American citizen
viii know exactly to what his country Is pledged.
The president does not wish 10 menace confirma-
tion q the treaty by interpreting the treaty
that this country IS pledged 70 protect Japan in
case OF agsression-for this would mean that the
treaty is nothing more thar a defensive and often
sve alliance rule the world the "entangling"
thing against which Washington warned and
against which this country inherently opposed.
The delegates. forced undoubtedly by their
pledges made behind closed doors. say that
they understood the treaty to include in opera
tons the Islands OF Japan.
When men lock doors upon those who have every
right 70 know what they saying and promising.
it may be taken for granted that they intend
TO do the things that will please or at least are
fearful that their words will not be welcomed by
those who give them power and authority.
The Wilson influence. at one time the
powerful and dominating appeal. lost when he
sat down in secret with the diplomats of Europe.
whoh never had in their hearts the purpose on
which he was bent
rho American delegates in this conference had
made headway only when they have come out in
the opsn.
1ae division Of opinion before the treaty is even
presented senate ought to invite the closest
scrutiny and study by the senator's who viii stand
between the people and any bad bargains that may
have been made.
Tae people of this country stand ready to well
come any plan that promises to relieve them from
the burdens of war or the threats of
The people were glad for even the relief promised
in the naval holiday and the casting aside of obso-
lete batt'cships
The people had turned to washington with tha
great nope in their hearts that were really
trying co bring peace. were planning peace and
were counseane not bargaining, to the best
manner in which peace might be obtained.
Vow t is disclosed that there have been given
behind those locked doors pledges and interpreta-
tions of terms which may lead this country into
moral obligations which do not appear upon the
surface of the document
TIE passion for peace on the part OF the people
IS not great enough to cut the nation away from
its old mornings Of refusal become a party to
the balance of power theory Of the world. which
has bred SO many wars and which may be expected
70 always breed
The other countries here by invitation. Their
own peoples have the same wishes as do the people
OF this country The conference stn has the oppor-
tunity purge itself OF suspicion OF being gather
ing Of bargaining diplomats. intent on national
vantage II they viii come into the open and let the
people hear an they say. not merely present a
written document which can be the subject OF two
interpretations.
America IS ready TO be off the road TO peace
but wants know exactly where the road is lead
Ing and that II is the right road