The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-07-12

CONFERENCE ON
DISARMA MAMENT
Italian Chief Would Wait Until
After Washington Meet.
France Loses No Time in Ac-
cepting U. S. Invitation.
BRITISH SCOFF At new LEAGUE
Point Out That Only Members
of League Invited.
Vatican FaVOrabIy Impressed
With New American Offer.

Paris, July 12.-Premier BRAND, in
behalf of France, today accepted Pres
ident Harding's invitation to an inter-
national conference to discuss dis
armament.
Announcement that France accept
/ ed was contained in a speech deliv-
cred by the premier in the chamber
of deputies. 1t was received with ter
rifle applause. The American en-
bassy was formally notified of Pre-
ru:er Brands verbal acceptance.
Postpone League Rally.
1t is learned that Rene Viviani has
telegraphed to Geneva suggesting a
postponement of the League of Ma
lions congress on disarmament which
was scheduled to open here Saturday.
The chamber quickly gave its for
nal approval of the premier's action
There was no dissent.
ActoI ding to the Matin, Premier
BRAND plans to attend the Washing
ton conference in person. The Mat;n
says I'I emier BRAND regards the pro-
posed conference as opening a new
era in international politics.
After informing the chamber that
France is now in receipt of the Off
cial offer from the American presi-
dent, Premier BRAND said: France
has readily accepted the proposal in
order to show the governments de-
| sire for peace"
i Premier Thanks Harding.
! After the applause had subsided
! the premier continued:
1 want to thank the American ex-
/ ecutive OF having thought of France,
| thereby rendering homage to her pa
I CIfic spirit.
| France is resoluteIy determined to
find means of limiting armaments.
Out &C this proposed conference per-
haps will come agreements which
} guarantee the future peace of the
world. France also has an interest
in the Pacific which we must not neg
lect.
I'VE trust that the chamber of dep
uties will approve the government s
! acceptance of the noble appeal of
President Harding in order to give
. France that security which is her
right"
| When the premier finished, the ap-
plause broke out again, lasting sew
eral minutes. The chamber and SEN
ate will both adjourn tonight for sew
eral months.
Scoff at 'New League"
London, July 12.-Foreign office Of
| ficials today scoffed at the view ex-
pressed in some quarters in England
and France that President Harding
proposed international conference may
be the first step in the creation of an
/ association of nations rivaling the
League Of Nations.
1t was pointed out that President
Harding's proposal for a meeting to
discuss disarmament and Far East
problems received the hearty indorse-
ment of the Dominion premiers who
are the strongest adherents of the
League of Nations.
Lord Robert Cecil, chief exponent
of the League of Nations in Great
Britain, said he welcomed the propose
for an international conference.
Il see no threat against the suprem'
acy of the League of Nations" he
Premier Meighen, of Canada, in al
interview printed in the Times today
: praised the American offer. Ths
Canadian premier was quoted as say.
ing:
ITO a distracted world the message
: offers new hope and promise of re-
t lief. Now here is President Harding
2 proposition welcomed more eagerly
t than in Canada. 1 hope it will be
S thoroly successful in bringing nearer
: the time when wars will cease en-
E tirely."
Suggestions are being made thai
there should be a preliminary confer
ence to discuss the technical aspects
thus shortening the work of the rea
, international conference when it meet:
in Washington
/ It1s believed that if President Hard.
ing's proposition is successful, the dis
tarmament and Far East conference
will be convoked at Washington abou
: the middle of autumn.
l Vatican Favorably Impressed.
Rome, July 12.-President Harding
: invitation to the big powers to an in
! ternational conference to discuss dis
: armament and Far East problems hai