The Washington herald., 1921-09-13

II and afectionate and possibly with some, fe-
I gretful, farewell to every vestige OF our
Uucle Sans isolation" He will take his place as
one of the world family as of the big brothers
with equal responsibility for the conduct and well
flare of all the others in the family. This may not
be surrender of sovereignty, but no member OF
amily of individuals of nations, recognizing mt-
tual obligations with inevitable restrictions, is alto
gether free agent. Indeed, complete sovereignty,
ahke inaIienable personal rights is not much more
than an expression.
. This conference may run the gamut OF world
affairs and of international relations If limitation
oi arulaments is extended to land forces France will
at once ask for surety and guarantees of her future
safety II this government had ratified the trparty
treaty assuring France against German revenge and
aggression she probably would have materially re-
dueed her army before now, and she would be glad
TO make the exchange now. This would save her
huge expense would save Germany current costs
and simplify materially the Silesian problem, as
well others
On the seas Great Britain will demand assur-
ance that in case of she will not be cut off from
her sources OF food supplies. Will this country
Japan, France and Italy, be ready to 60 this far
equally as far in fact the French defensive treaty.
Great Britain can hardly afford, without such as
surznce, TO have lesser navy than any other two
powers exclusive of the United States OF ally.
This IS one reason for the British-Japanese treaty
to assure freedom Of the which her food
supplies must come to her.
It would seem that the demands the United
States may not be small if this conference is to be
effective. Japan will demand to know just where
her people, her surplus population may go and be
assured of full rights of property, industry and in
vestment VIII this government, which excludes the
japanese, it, guarantee them rights elsewheret
Maybe none of these questions viii be obtruded
Maybe the program can be confined strictly to the
CALI that is to Pacific problems. But this is in
terlocking world and it is hard to move in any one
direction without making waves which spread in all
directions.
~ sort of subconscious realization OF where this
country may have to go when all dressed up for this
conference is one reason there is much general
satisfaction in the appointment OF Mr.. Root as one
OF the American delegates. Mr.. Root is one of the
very few Americans who has had personal touch with
the delegates of foreign countries who will be here
He knows them and they know him. He has their
confidence. They and he understand each other
and can talk without camouhage or trying each
other out as it were There is the feeling that with
Mr.. Root the delegation, it has been greatly
strengthened to get results without too much sacri
cc of the position of the United States on the side
lines.
Except the Monroe doctrine applying only
to South America, and the "open door applying
but to China, this country has not had foreign
policy. Both of these the same in principle. If
they to be definitely defined extended,
II otherwise this country is to be given a world
wide international policy, there other men
the people would select in preference to Secretary
Hughes and Mr.. Root for guidance. They were
both proponents of the league of nations, but be-
licved it should be based upon judicial action, not
On diplomatic interchange and trade in assembly
and council. Both supported the covenant with the
Lodge reservations while Mr.. Underwood supported
it as whole.
= If there is to be no league so far as the
United States is concerned it would seem essential
that the countrys place in international affairs, its
relations to other governments while outside the
league, its policies and principles of intercourse with
nations, should be fixed and known. The league
needs this for its guidance and certainly this gov
eInment owes it to all other governments, that
<they may know definitely what can and cannot have
Its approval. Otherwise they must move in the
dark, in any discussions or actions, uncertain
whether decisions will or will not be acceptable
to this country which is nSw dominant in world f.
nance and the great creditor power.
= Hialmar Brantinp attacks the LEAGUE ~ -,