The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-02
MUST KEEP ARMY
Gen. Pershing Warns Against
Tendencies to .Pacificism.
L. :. Cannot Afford to Disarm
Without Agreement.
MUST CONTINUE PROGRAM
Only When All Nations Agree.
Is Disarmament Safe.
Declares Powers OF World VIII
Listen to Harding.
MUST CONTINUE PROGRAM

Washington. Feb. "A warning
against pacifisrn and unpreparedness
was given the house naval committee
today by General Pershing, who ap-
peared to discuss world armament.
While expressing approval of the
proposal for a world disarmament
conference the former commander of
the American expeditionary forces
said the United States should go ahead
with its present navy and army pro-
grams until a definite agreement had
been reached by at least the five great
world powers.
Pershing also expressed the opinion
that world powers will receive very
1avorably call fronA President-elect
Harding for this conference He
made light of reports that Germany
has heavy hidden strength and said
II was unlikely that she can start an
other war soon.
Continuing. Pershing indicated thac
while he favored disarmament he did
not believe the great powers could
take the step Immediately.
The United States cannot disarm I'M
III other nations take the step, he said.
france cannot afford TO disarm now
he added.
Not Safe to Disarm Now.
''It would not be safe for her to do
So until the German treaty conditions
are fulfilled. France is standing
guard in Europe. Other nations should
not expect her to reduce her strength
very much at this time"
Pershing added that England can
not safely reduce her military and
naval strength Immediately bec-.use of
The unsettled world conditions. How
ever. he said, efforts should be made
at once to bring about a conference
that in a few years may bring about
reductions in naval and military
:
THE United States is in a better
condition to take the lead 10 bring
about disarmament than any other nal
ton. because we have no aggressive
policies" he said.
However, We must not allow our
selves to drift into pacifist frame of
mind None of US want war. but we
must be prepared for it if it comes"
Pershing pointed out that the CEN
fury of peaceful relations between the
United States and Britain shows what
the powers Of the world can do if they
VIII.
"A war between the United States
and England is hardly conceivable"
he said. With that lesson before US
an armament reduction meeting of the
nations ought TO be entered into very
hopefully"
Would you admit Japan. in view of
her agreement with England ," asked |
Representative Britten
= -.-Of course" replied Pershing en- !
phaticalfy- "All the peoples must ]
come into the meeting
Need Civilians at Farley
Pershing said civilians as well as |
army and navy men should represent !
all nations at the conference.
Military men might not be disposed !
TO yield points SO easily as civilians" -
lie explained
1T is time for enlightened people the |
world over TO realize that some ra-
uonal agreement must be reached TO
relieve the world of its great military
burden and to prevent future wars"
he continued IF we can once get the
nations together. their representatives
around table, some agreement may
be-reac hed."