The Washington herald., 1921-07-11
Suggests Conference Of
Allies Be Held in
Washington.
URGES SOLUTION
OF FAR EAST AIMS
Pacific Policy Involved,
Says Statement of
Mr.. Hughes.
ny ROBERT J. BENDER


ference TO discuss armament reduc-
ton and at tho same time 10 con-
slider a solution OF questions grow
ing out of the Far Eastern problem.
Such a conference comprehends
the greatest step yet taken IN the
ADMINISTRATION Development OF its
foreign policy, embracing as it does
the germ of an association Of ma
tions to enhance International
peace. It also would imply cstsb-
Iishment of the principle of equal
opportunity for all nations in the
Far East, one OF the basic conien-
tions of this government in con
sidering it's plans for such an ssso-
citation.
In an official statement issued last
night by Secretary OF State Hughes
it was annoonced that informal
but definite" inquiries bad been
made of England. France. Italy and
Japan to ascertain whether it would
be agreeable to them to take part
in an armament reduction confer
ence to be held in Washington.
IF the proposal is found to he
acceptable" said Mr.. Hughes state
ment. formal invitations for such
a conference will be issued"
Vital TO Far East.
Mr.. Hughes further pointed out
that the question Of armament linn
itation has close relation TO Pa
ciic and Far Eastern problems"
For this reason. he added. hthc
President has suggested that the
powers especially interested in thesr
problems should undertake in con-
nection with this conference the
consideration OF all matters bear
ing upon their solution with a view
TO reaching a common understand
Ing with respect to principles and
policies in tie Far East"
Mr.. Hughes further disclosed that
China had been invited to take part
In such discussions as relate TO the
Far Eastern questions.
1t is assumed that. in view Of
recent utterances by British and
Japanes, statcsmen. coupled with
ltaly's known reaction to the cause
OF disarmament. chat at least ma
jority Of the allied and associated
powers" questioned Informally. will
acQulcscc in the Presidents desires
Affects All Armameuts.
1t is rOued, however. that the
huGhes statement broadly refers t.
the question Of Limitation OF arma-
menus not specifying merely naval
armament but embracing, on its
lace. at least. reduction Of both
iand and sea forces France. in he
desire 10 insure German fuI0IIn,a,r
OF peace tr-aty terms has main
tained hundreds OF thousands or
troops in active service ana tb,s
phase Of the disarmament problem
mas been one to perplex those work
ing in it's behalf here.
-he +ir'. fer calling tho con,s,-
ehce. however. is left open. acc,-u-
ing TO Mr. Hughes statement
II the proposal for such a CON
crave Is found acceptable. he saw
VIII be held in Washington 81,
time TO De mutually agreed upon"
Congress L. Pleased.
In Congressional quarters IN,
residents action found enthusYa1i,
support among Republican leaders
senator borah, author Of the amend
10 the naval appropriatiou
oiii author izing and requesting q
I-paruce conference among m.
hited states England and Lana,
On the subject Of armament redrr-
interested in the Hughes
announcement, but adued.
don't think ! viii say s,,,h:
on the subject until I have b,d a.,
opportunity for further -.e..,1,9.,..
think everybody will y,.l,o,,,
such conference" said S.,,,I-
Ne~' and Will profoundly hon. !,
VIII De productive Of a GOOD -
Asreemeht to which all c,, -,
i know that the peopIa .,
Ihlted states will welcome ,n
Ssreemenf 81 that sort. which 49,,
Iessen their burdens"
Precedes Naval MN
President Harding's ac,iou
s.it1' the allied powers win
INFORMAL but direct" inouiri..
garding an armament ,,ed,,,-,',i',S
ference precedes final passspe h,
congress Of the naval appronr5.,,.
olli' carrying an amendment by So
ator Borah. authorizing -
partite disarmament concIaye
Senator PoindeKter. in rharps a,
the bill in the Upper Rrancb ~
congress. however. declared fbai a..
believed the Presidents ac,io,
would in no way interfere with bnat
approval OF the bill. either as r.
CARDS the Borah rider or IN. n,;t.
lay for naval construction.
Covers Vital Question.
Senator Poindexter said the vital
question in the whole subject lis on
what terms disarmament msV l..
had, a thing that cannot be ascer-
tanned until after the conference
has thoroughly discussed the mat
ter and submitted back its concIu-
sions to governments directly con-
cerned. Meantime there will be no
change in the American naval poi-
ICY"
Senator Swanson. ranking par,-
cratic member OF the Senat, MI
Affairs Committee. said the rrrsi-
dents call pleased him greatly sul
EXPRESSED fhe hone that IL xvns.11 -