The Holbrook news., 1921-07-29
Harding's Plan for Armament Reduction Conference Is
 Well Received.
INVITED NATIONS ACCEPT
Pacific and Far East Problems Also Will Be Discussed-Irish Peace Meetings Begin - President
 Asks Senate to Defer Sol dier Bonus Bill.
By EDWARD w. PACKARD.

The United States last week resumed It's leadership of international affairs, and President Harding's world policy nnfolded in a way that leads his warm supporters to believe his plans for an association of nations to preserve the peace of the world are on the eve of fulfiIlment This comes about through the Presidents invitation to Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan to send representatives to a disarma- ment reduction conference in Wash !ngtO.I, and his suggestion that the meeting, if held, also undertake a set tlemeAt of the Pacific and Far Eastern problems, China being asked to par hcipate in that part of the confer ence.
 Of course, the invitation was infor- nal in nature, but the nations named have received it with acclaim, and all have signified their willingness to ac- cept the formal invitation when it is Issued, 60 it may be considered cer lain that the conference will be held, probably in the coming autumn pr possibly early next year. All the world is evincing intense interest in the plan, and certain of the lesser pow FITS are edger to take part in the great conference. That the discussion will not be limited to the subjects men toned is almost beyond doubt, and there is reason to believe that the as sOciatiOn of nations with which Pres ldent Harding hopes to supplant the League of Nations will be born at the Washington conference.
 Not only did the President forestall the action of congress, which was passing finally on the naval bill con taining the Borah amendment asking the President to negotiate a naval hol- Iday with Great Britain and Japan {; be also went further than Borah and his followers desired and broadened the proposition to include land arm Aments. It was feared by many that Italy, and especially France, would refuse to reduce their military strength. France feels that she must be guaranteed against another attack by Germany, and Italy's main strength is her army. Borah and 
 armaments might defeat the whole plan, but the administration thinks their fears are groundless and that an agreement for naval reduction may be reached if the question of reducing armies is found embarrassing. Indeed. the governments of France and Italy were as prompt as that of Great Britain 10 accept MT. Hardings invitation. China's approval of the plan came next, and Japan, after carefully con- sidering the Far Eastern phase of the matter. instructed its embassy at Washington to accept. so far as armament reduction is concerned.
 Before President Harding issued the informal invitations, the leading states men of Great Britain were consulted by Ambassador Harvey and also by Dr. Nicholas Murray Butler, who was reported to be unofficially assisting Mir. Harvey in the matter. It is said they informed Washington of the psychological moment for taking ac- tlon. Then Doctor Butler went to Paris and talked with French leaders, and told correspondents that Presi- dent MiIlerand was highly enthusiastic over the American plan. French and British statesmen agree with me that President Harding's proposal marks turning point in the history of the world" said Doctor Butler
 Premier Lloyd Georges announce