Evening star., 1921-07-11
.D|SARM|NG PARLEY
WORLD PEACE STEP
May ForestaII and Make Un'
necessary Function of
League of Nations.

AS eldOOTatlOH Oh the pOSSlDIc
scope and effect of the proposed dis
armament conference of the powers
is obtained from administration
sources. it is apparent that this
meeting will have far-reaching and
profound effect upon the peace and
material prosperity of the world for
the future. Inclusion of Pacific and
far east questions in the delibera-
tions of the conference will assure
worlds peace Is more than a
possibility.
1t may be considered even as
within the range Of possibilities that
the outcome of the conference will
forestall and render unnecessary for
the present any general association
or league of nations. in which this
country shall participate. by remov-
ing the one possible near-future
cause of international friction. and
by lessening the preparations offthe
nations to encourage warfare over
others which might arise.
taken INCA 10 give H ASSURANCES peh tha. Are parz rs
ticipation by the United States in dis
armament plans will never go to the
extent of weakening the security or
defense Of the United States. That
notification in advance Is never to be
lost sight of, but is to be stressed
at all times.
Subject First in Mind.
1t is the view Of the administration
at Washington that the one subject
which is now uppermost in the minds
of the thinking peoples of all the
earth is the appalling burden laid
upon the world by the growing prof.
ects of military expenditures. The
ramifications of these expenditures
affect the material welfare of the
stantly increasing proportion. and it
is held that all governments, recog-
nizing this. will agree to engage upon
program of lim0 alton.
President Harding was glad to take
the initiative in bringing about a
tion of armament expenditures and 1t
was deemed most fitting that the con-
ference should be held in Washington.
There is no suggestion yet as to til
time for holding it. but undue delay
is not expected.
Inclusion OF Pacific.
Inclusion Of Pacific and far east
questions In the purview of the de-
liberations of such q conference was
deemed to follow as a natural conse-
quence. the nations participating
finding themselves all deeply inter-
ested in those subjects. China, while
not concerned particularly in mill
tary expenditure. is a party in inter-
est to the eastern question. The ques-
tion of the participation Of any other
nations will be left for future de-
termination.
1t is believed in official circles that
the conference. primarily suggested
to take up disarmament, will, when
it gets under way. very quickly broad
en- in scope to include international
policies and understandings Of the
highest importance. Some officials of
this administration are known to hold
the opinion that more. practical and
efficient progress can be made around
the green table at this coming to-
gether Of the nations than could be
possible in months or years of inde-
pendent negotiations Of the nations
one with another or in groups.
1t is said to be source Of gratifica-
tion to the administration that hav-
ing been criticised for not engaging
in the Wilson league Of nations the
United States government Is now TAX
ing a short cut to assure the peace
of the world more promptly and more
effectively. it is claimed, than any
league Of nations could under the pro-
posed plan in the treaty Of Versailles