The New York herald., 1921-08-12
PRESIDENT SUMMONS
4NATIONS TO CONFER
ON arms LIMITATION
Great Britain, France, Italy
and Japan Invited to Par
ticipate in Washington
OH November II.
WIDE SCOPE OFFERED
China Asked to Join in Dis
cussion of Pacific and
the Far Eastern
Questions.
NEW LEAGUE HINT SEEN
Borah, Called to White House,
Learns of Progress in Nego-
tiation of Treaty With
Germany.
NEW LEAGUE HINT SEEN
Special Despatch to THE New YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. O., Aug. II

Special Despatch to THE New YORK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington. ID. O., Aug. IL
On behalf of President Harding for
NAL invitations to-day were cahled by
Secretary of State Hughes to Great
Britain, France. Italy and Japan to
participate in the Forthcoming confer
cnce In this city beginning on Novem-
Der IL on limitation of armaments, in
connection with which Pacific and Far
Eastern questions also will be dis
cussed. A separate invitation was
cussion of Far Eastern questions.
The invitation indicates the wide
scope of the conference. 1t indicates
also the possibility that a permanent
association of nations, such as Presi-
dent Harding has favored since long
before his Inauguration, may be the
ultimate outcome, although no specific
mention Of such an association occurs.
1t is suggested that there can be no
final assurance of peace without an
agreement on principles and their
application" and it was intimated at
the State Department that the United
States hoped for a lasting understand
ing along these lines.
Text Of Invitation.
The invitation to Great Britain F3l.
lows:
"The President is deeply gratified at
the cordial response to his suggestion
that there should be conference on the
subject OF limitation of ornaments, In
connection with which Pacific and Far
Eastern questions should also be dis
cussed.
Productive labor Is staggering under
an economic burden too heavy to be
borne unless the present vast pablic ex-
penditures are greatly reduced. 1t is
idle TO look for stability or the assurance
OF social justice or the security of peace
while wasteful and unproductive outlays
deprive effort Of It's just reward and
defeat the reasonable expectation of
progress. The enormous dtsburs ements
in the rivalries of armaments nlonifestly
constitute the greater part of the encum-
brance upon enterprise and national
prosperity and avoidable or extravagant
expense OF this nature is not only with
out economic justification but Is q con-
stant menace to the peace of the world
rather than an assurance of its preser-
walton. Yet there would seem to be no
ground to expect the halting of these
increasing outlays unless the Powers most
largely concerned find a satisfactory
basis for an agreement to effect their
limitation.
'Tiie time is believed to be opportune
for these Powers to approach this sub
ject directly and In conference. and
while in the discussion of limitation of
armament the question of naval arma-
ment may naturally have first place, It
has been thought best not to exclude
questions pertaining to ether armament
10 the end that all practical measures
OF relief may have appropriate consid-
Grafton. 1t may also be found advisable
TO formulate proposals by which. in the
interest OF humanity. the use of new
agencies Of warfare may be suitably
controlled.
grounds for Understanding.
'It is. however, quite clear that there
can be no nnaI assurance Of the peace
Of the world in the absence of the de-
sire for peace. and the prospect of re-
duced armaments Is not hopeful one
unless this desire finds expression In a
praetJ-l effort to remove causes of mis-
Understanding and 10 seek ground for
agreement as 10 principles and their ap-
pllcation. II Is the earnest wish OF this
Government that through an inter-
change Of views with the facilities af-
focded by conference II may be pos
sTSic TO find solution Of Pacific and
Far Eastern problems OF unquestioned
Importance at this tiric. that Il. such
common understandings with respect TO
matters which have been and arc OF In
ternationai concern as may serve to pro-
mote enduring friendship among our
peoples.
1T Is not the purpose OF this Govern
mtnt to attempt 10 define the scope OF
the discussion In relation 20 the Pacific
and Far East. but rather 10 leave this
20 be the subject of suggestions 20 be
exchanged before tho meeting of the con-
ference. IN the expectation that the spirit
Of friendship and cordial appreciation
Of the Importance of the elimination OF
sources OF controversy will govern the
final decision.
Accordingly. in pursuance OF the pro-
posal which has been made and in the
light OF tho gracious indication os its
acceptance. the President invites the
Government of Great Britain 10 partici-
pate IN conference on the subject Of
limitation OF armament. In connection
with which Pacific and Far EasteA,
questions will also be discussed, to be
held in Washington on the ftth day of
November. 1921"
The clause principles ana their APP
rlication" suggests common under
standing on all rules or international re-
Continued on Fffth Pane