The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1921-12-02
SLOW PROGRESS
SEEN FOR LAND
ARMS PROGRAM
France and Italy Only
Nations Concerned That
Are Represented.

Because neither the United States
nor Great Britain has a conscrip-
ton system for military service
neither nation Is best qualified to
assume the leadership in plans
for limiting land ornaments. A
spokesman for the British delega-
tion made this public last night
In discussing the general program
oerore the conference. This. he sug-
gested. was a primary reason why
little progress can be made in dis
posing of the land armament pro-
gram Another, and equally potent
reason. was that outside of France
and Italy the European nations
most concerned with land arma-
ments are not represented at this
gathering.
The British, however. would well
come an opportunity to make a
start along other lines such as
problems OF poison gas. airplanes
and the like. 1t is recognized by
the British that the manufacture
OF poison gas is made most easy
by transforming great chemical
works that have an important part
In natural industrial life into
plants for that purpose immedi-
ately after war comes. And il like
wise is accepted as a fact that to
limit plants of this character in
times of peace is impossible. The
same line of reasoning holds gooo
for suggestions to limit aeria,
craft. They have an honest and
steady going nlace, the speaker
said. in solving problems of trans
pOrtation.
No Limitation Likely.
Because of this 1t is considered
unlikely that any Limitation will be
made on either subject and in de-
Gliding that this Is impossible the
conference plans to state its rea-
sons clearly to the world.
i;ut n the question of subma-
rtnes the British intend to do all
they can to have them outlawed
for all time
This is an instrument Of warfare
tat can hardly be used without be-
Ing abused" said the speaker We
DO not deny that there is a legiti-
mate use for such a weapon when
IL is directed at a warship. But
YOU cannot find any justification for
its use against merchantmen. And
We do not think that it Is a perfect
weapon for a small nation against
a stronger. In fact, the British DEL
CSation very probably will have
something to say on this subject
later on
The British spokesman declared
tEat when the naval limitations are
a"ceTted they will include France
and Italy. 1t has been thought best
he stated. to keep these two ma
tons out OF the discussions until
after the ratio of capital ships be-
tween Great Britain, Japan and the
United States has been fully settled.
Naval Plans Hopeful.
This spokesman was extremely
optimistic regarding a final agree
ment on the naval question. He IN
dictated that he welcomed the elini-
nation of the experts from the pic
ture. They they had failed to agree
did not mean that the delegates
themselves would also do so. On
the contrary, he thought. when the
proper time comes it will be found
that Japan has subscribed to u.
Hughes viewpoint.
AS far as my knowledge goes"
he said. I'VE need not anticipate
any break down of the conference.
] take a most cheerful view of the
future. Regardless of what experts
may say. the decision here will be
that OF statesmen deciding policies
for the benefit of the world"
il was explained that there will
BE- let up of the main business of
the conference commencing tomOr-
row and ending next Wednesday
The entire British delegation will
go to New York to keep important
ENGAGEMENTS there