Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-07-12
HARDINC'S CALL AWAKENS
HOPES OF LASTING PEACE
Already 5roadened Scope of the olsar-
mament Invitation Suggests World
Reconstruction on a Major Scale

l. ference.
1t is this heartcning fact which stresses
the disarmament and convention proposals
advanced by the State Department on behalf
of President Harding
The possibilities of this Fortnight and
direct endcavor of the Administration are
significantly revealed by the scope of the
suggestion. Admirable in theory as was the
sentiment against costly and pcrilous prepa-
rations for war rs a sequel to the greatest
conflict in which humanity has ever en-
gagged, it was evident to all realists that
disarmament could not be practically con-
sidercd apart from the host of delicate
problems left unsolvcd by the first peace
convention.
This point has been recognized in the call
of this country for n treatment of Pacihc
and Far Eastern questions by the principal
Allied and Associated Powers. 1t involves
comparatively little strain upon the imagi-
nation to picture the inclusion of numerous
other international issues.
The dangers of n piccemeal and incom-
plete peace have been demonstrated. There
is scarcely q problem affecting the diplo-
matte policy Of the chief nations of the
earth which is not in some way related to
the situation as n whole. Once the meeting
Is called-and there is every indication that
it will be-exclusionist tactics are little
likely to prevail.
The rcopcning of cases in dispute in
evitably makes the highest demands upon
good will and mutual understanding. But
the difficulties involved, formidable as they
are would be secondary to those cngendered
by policies of conflict or drifting.
The enthusiasm with which the Harding
Hughes proposals have been officially re-
ccivcd in Great Britain forctels co-opcra
tion. echoes of which may be expected in
France, Italy and ostensiby even in Japan.
AS the reluctance of the last named nation to
Dartcipate in any reconsideration of Pacific
affairs has been undisguised, it is reasonable
to assume that forcible ncCcSsitips-cs-
pecially those concerned with the status Of
the Anglo Japanese treaty--are at work.
The imperial conference in London has
been making history at an almost unprecc-
dcntcd rate. The pleasure which Mr.. Lloyd
George expresses in President Harding $
"wisc and courteous initiative' is full of
meaning The implication that Japan will
be forced into II position Of compliance is
unmiStakabe.
The opportunity afforded the contemplated
meeting of broadening its vision is plainly
exhibited in the immediate expansion of its
purpose from merely tripartitc disarmament
questions into those involving all the major
nations and the limitations Of war prepara-
tions of all kinds.
1t was Senator Borah's belief that the
presentation of military disarmament in
1uiries to France would Immediately meet
with opposition in that country still nOurish-
ing fears of a German recrudcscence. While
the conjecture has plauSibility, it forbidS
| the possible settlement of the very problems
which have prevented the return of France
to convincing basis of peace.
! What is impcrativcly required is not
| merely an isolated disarmament agreement,
| but q process of world stabili2ation which
| the original Paris conference was unable to
carry to completion. There were many rea
! sons for this failure, and several of the most
| potent of them reflect less discredit upon the
| diplomatic methods of l0l9 than Is Some-
| times supposed.
1t is idle to deny that the nations, victors
and vauquishcd alike, were dazcd after the
armistice. The multiplicity of problems
which Immediately arose was staggering
| The demands for even an approximation OF
settlement could not be rejected
The specter Of Sovictizcd Europe fire.
Quently appeared unbiddcn at the peace
table. Fears of red Germany were omi-
nously entertained. The power of Bol-
shevist Russia had not yet been accurately
estimated The Bella Kun uprising was dis.
mally timed.
| historic wrongs and many of its provisions
are of permanent constructive value, bu
the pressure to dispose of the business il
| hand as speedily possible was marked
| Serious bunderS, some selfish and cynical IL
origin, others unavoidable under the Condi
ti0ns. were made.
1t is not too late to repair many of thes
errors. Such evidences Of militarism, fo
example, as exist in France today are du
in part TO the inCompletencss of the Yer
salles settlement. An auxiliary pact, tn
Anglo French American treaty, was aban
doned The principle Of world co operation
and mutual protection outlined in tn
League of Nations was impericd by the re
fusal of the United States to ratify tn
| covenant.
Given assurances of n new partnership
under whatever title, it is more than prob
able that chauvnisn in France, a blight an
yet cXplicable will be speedily exterminatcd
The Paris Peace Conference was n griT
necessity If it is broadened in scope tn
proposed convOcatior in Washington wi
answer a universal appeal. The characte
of the will to make peace has utterl
changed since the statesmen convened at til
Quai d'Orsay. Two years experience wit
some ugly facts has been Of chastenin
value.
A supplemental parlcy approved by a
eager, an anxious and a ready world prom
ises Il substantial and enduring perform
, ance